The Calgary Zoo/The Wilder Institute hosts a Penguin walk daily at 10:30 a.m, depending on the weather. You can be a part of this amazing show between January 15th to mid-March 2024.
Do you know why penguins are black & white? They have a special type of camouflage colouration, called countershading. "Countershading" helps them evade their predators and hunt their prey.
A group of penguins in water are called "raft" and when on land are called "waddle." You can see a lot of King penguins in the photographs below. They are the second largest species. They have distinctive orange marking around their face and neck. King penguins are less active than some of the smaller species to consume body heat. They are "winter residents" as they prefer temperatures below 5 degree Celsius. You can find them inside if the weather is too warm or later in the day. They lay a single egg and keep it between their thick skinned feet. Parents penguins take turns, keeping their egg safe and warm. If you listen to a trumpet sound look for King penguins around as they call to bond with potential mates.
The "Humboldt Penguins" are the summer residents. They enjoy warm weather temperatures up to 35 degree Celsius! They usually prefer staying inside in winters.
The fifth photo features George & Napoleon. One of the workers shared a small story related to them. Napoleon and George are step siblings. In the video shared below you can find them singing to each other. Napoleon was raised by foster parents. He was raised by George's mother Diana. George was raised by the father, dad Arthur. The founder parents were from a wild habitat. Napoleon was saved as a result of species survival plan.
In the photos below you can spot a penguin with brown feathers, he is baby Augustus (6 months old). Penguins shed their baby feathers at around 9-12 months.
Here are some fun facts about penguins :
You can't determine a penguin's gender by looking at it.Blood tests are done to find out the gender. Penguins are experts divers! They don't have teeth.They originated along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.
Altogether it was a wonderful experience visiting the Calgary Zoo. Looking at these adorable penguins was a treat to the sore eyes. FYI, you do not have to buy separate tickets for the Penguin walk. The admission ticket is all need !!
Baby Augustus(Brown) spotted among the waddle.
Baby Augustus (Brown) spotted among the waddle.
Napoleon & George snapped singing to each other.
Napoleon & George captured singing to each other.