Penguins in Africa?

Lots of visitors are surprised by the fact that our penguins are in African Hall. But our birds are actually African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), the only living penguin species native to this continent.

Photo: © California Academy of Sciences

This weekend we're joining lots of other organizations, including SANCCOB and the Audubon Nature Institute, in celebrating African Penguin Awareness Day.

Join us for Specimen Spotlight on Friday, October 7th at 11:30 am in front of the Project Lab to get up close to penguin specimens and learn some neat facts about these amazing birds, which are now considered endangered. Then come up to the Naturalist Center, where we'll be doing a cool African penguin craft all day Friday and Saturday, October 7th & 8th.

Photo: Nan Sincero © California Academy of Sciences

Read one of our engaging penguin books.

Photo: Nan Sincero © California Academy of Sciences

Last but definitely not least, don't miss catching one of the Academy's penguin feedings in African Hall everyday at 10:30 am & 3:00 pm. To learn more about our penguin colony and see them anytime, anywhere in the world, be sure to check out our Live Penguin Cams and Blog!