Greensboro's Natural Science Center is home to a small group of African penguins. At about two feet tall and 5-7 pounds, these flightless birds are on the small side for penguins. To put this into perspective, the Emperor penguin can be up to 3'7" tall and about 75 pounds (wikipedia). The African penguins at our science center are fun to watch as they dive and plunge for food. When they do so, a stream of air bubbles surfaces behind them. This bird is at risk of extinction. At the beginning of the 20th century, there close to a million and a half African penguins and there are believed to be approximately 55,000 in existence and they could be extinct within 15 years.
Greensboro's own science center is very involved in conservation efforts and this past August, we were lucky enough to have two chicks born in captivity. The Greensboro Science Center is part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Spend the afternoon at our Sciquarium and you can learn so much about these great birds and the efforts for helping the species survive. Today is ABC Wednesday and for this S.T.E.A.M. round, P is for penguin!
Cute penguins!
Posted by: Leticia | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 10:45 AM
such quirky animals!~
ROG, ABCW
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 02:03 PM
They are cute animals!
Posted by: William Kendall | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 04:39 PM
Penguins are such fascinating creatures to watch.
Posted by: Joy | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 04:39 PM
Great photo!
Posted by: Freda Mans | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 06:11 PM
Wow! Good one.
We shared the same theme for P :)
Happy ABCW!
Posted by: Indrani | Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 12:16 AM