Common Name: African Penguin, Jackass Penguin, Black-Footed Penguin
Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus
Range: Coastal regions of southern Africa, from Namibia to South Africa.

Though endangered, the African penguin is the most common penguin species in zoos and aquariums because of its milder habitat requirements and easy adaptability to life in captivity, making them familiar to many penguin-lovers.

They are gregarious and stay in groups much of the time, including while foraging, and their bray-like call inspired their jackass name. Despite how much is known about these familiar penguins, however, they remain in extreme danger from oil spills and overfishing in their limited range.

Photo © Matthew Blouir