The African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus)

In skirting around Africa to reach India in 1497-1499, Vasco de Gama became the first to relate the existence of the African penguins. (Spheniscus means “like a corner”, a metaphor that illustrates the triangular form of the penguins’ wings, and “demersus” means diver).

The Africa penguins can measure up to 70cm and have a life span of between 25 to 28 years.  They live mainly along the South African coast, as well as on some of the nearby islands.

The Africa penguins are gregarious and monogamous birds.  The females lay 2 to 3 eggs and the gestation takes place from the middle of November to the beginning of December for a duration of 5 weeks.

42% of the Africa penguins’ diet is made up of fish and in particular anchovies and sardines.

The Cape of Good Hope penguins are protected since 1975 by the Washington Convention.  They also appear on the red list of The World Nature Conservation Union.
In addition, a series of decrees have been established by the South African government that aim to protect the African penguins all along their coasts.

The citizens of South Africa are now aware of how important these penguins are to the country’s economy, they are a real boon to the local tourist industry and are becoming the purpose of many expeditions.

For instance, in the year 2000 when the “DV TREASURE” was shipwrecked causing the invasion of an oil slick on to their coasts, the Cape of Good Hope inhabitants toiled altogether and saved 90% of these Penguins.
It is nevertheless the case that the whole penguin colony of the African, which is so popular with tourists, could be completely destroyed by just one average sized oil slick.   

National decrees have been put into force by South Africa in an attempt to ensure the protection of the African penguins in several nature parks and reserves.

The specimens you will see in NAUSICAÄ, which were reproduced in captivity, come primarily from the “Doué la Fontaine” zoo in France.