Penguin Coast
Discover Sun-Loving Penguins
Penguin Coast is home to our delightful Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), native to the rugged coastal regions of Chile and Peru. These penguins, with their striking black-and-white plumage and signature ‘blushing’ behaviour—where pink patches on their faces flush with blood to cool them down—are perfectly adapted to life in warm climates. Unlike their Antarctic relatives, they thrive in temperate environments, relying on the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current for food.
At Oceanworld, we’ve replicated their rocky coastal habitat with cool waters for swimming and plenty of shaded areas to help them stay comfortable in their sunny surroundings. Watch as they dive gracefully, using their powerful flippers to navigate underwater with impressive speed and agility.
Meet our Waddle
Same as gentoo, will put this blurb under with link to the individuals in the blog
In 2021, we welcomed our first group of Humboldt penguins from England, and since then, our colony has flourished, with 9 chicks hatching right here at Penguin Coast. Each bird brings their own unique personality—some are bold and adventurous, while others enjoy a quieter life.
A Slice of Coastal Life
Our exhibit is designed to mirror the rocky cliffs and sandy shores of South America’s coastlines, where Humboldt penguins typically nest in burrows or crevices. To support their natural behaviours, we provide nesting boxes, which encourage courtship and breeding. During the breeding season, you may witness some extraordinary rituals—penguins bowing to each other, arranging pebbles, and calling out to their mates.
Our exhibit is designed to mirror the rocky cliffs and sandy shores of South America’s coastlines, where Humboldt penguins typically nest in burrows or crevices. To support their natural behaviours, we provide nesting boxes, which encourage courtship and breeding. During the breeding season, you may witness some extraordinary rituals—penguins bowing to each other, arranging pebbles, and calling out to their mates.
Like their Antarctic cousins, Humboldt penguins are devoted parents. Both the male and female take turns incubating their eggs, ensuring the safety and warmth of their chicks. This shared parenting is a vital part of their life cycle, and visitors can observe the nurturing nature of these penguins as they care for their young.
Food-Based Enrichment: We offer pool feeds that replicate their hunting experiences in the wild, encouraging them to use their natural foraging instincts.
Toys and Exploration: Humboldt penguins are naturally curious and enjoy interacting with toys, especially those that mimic their coastal environment.
Our exhibit includes ample space for swimming, socialising, and nesting, promoting behaviours that reflect their wild counterparts.
Learn About Humboldt Penguins
Humboldt penguins are classified as “Vulnerable,” with populations declining due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Since these penguins depend on the Humboldt Current for their food supply, disruptions to this cold-water current can severely impact their survival.
Humboldt penguins are classified as “Vulnerable,” with populations declining due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Since these penguins depend on the Humboldt Current for their food supply, disruptions to this cold-water current can severely impact their survival.
Learn more about the challenges they face and the ways we are working to support their conservation at our daily feeding times and Aquarist talks.
You’ll gain insight into their social behaviours, breeding rituals, and the unique adaptations that allow them to live in both land and sea environments.
Discover More
A-Z animal guide
Browse our A-Z guide to learn more about some of our incredible marine species, from sharks and turtles to the colourful reef fish that inhabit these waters.
explore
Adopt a Penguin!
Personalised adoption packs are available for all our Humboldt penguins. These make great gifts, with all proceeds going directly toward animal care and conservation!
Humboldt Penguin Adoption