After five months of being away (not the 10 days I orginally planned for or expected) I am finally back. Today will be my first morning feeding the penguins and cleaning the exhibit. I am excited to find out how the penguins will react to my re-introduction. I will be re-learning the penguins as some have become sexually mature while I was away. You will also notice the change in the blog. It is a cooperative effort to get to know some of the other penguin biologists. You will see them in the exhibit ranging from a few times per month to a few times per week. They will share their personal experiences as they interact with these intriguing animals. I am looking forward to catching you up to date with everything from current African penguin conservation issues to our plans to become a breeding facility. Sincerely, Pamela Schaller

This photo was taken last summer. All of the penguins were “blues”. This is a common term used for juvenile African penguins because their feathers have a bluish hue to them under certain conditions. The only exception is the female on the right “Jahleel” who had her Tuxedo coloration. The typical African black and white adult feathers. If you are watching the penguin cams you will observe that every penguin in the exhibit is now in their adult plumage. All of the juveniles look like adults and are beginning to form loose pairs. There are constant changes going on. We will share with you as dramas unfold.-Pamela Schaller

You may have noticed some of our penguin pairs shopping for new real estate. We have several new pairs that are looking for a permanent nestbox, as well as some established pairs that are thinking about changing their address. Some aggression between pairs and individuals is normal during this time.
Eventually, members of the colony will establish their ownership of specific  nesting sites within the exhibit.-Vikki McClosky