The Australian Little Penguin
SizeThe Little Penguin is the smallest of every penguin species. Their size is tiny and ranges from approximately 25 cm tall and has a waist of around 17 cm.
Body CoveringThe Little Penguin is covered in very small feathers. These tiny feathers are waterproof, and this makes swimming easier. The penguins legs are covered in skin. The penguin also has webbed feet, where there is more skin in between the birds toes. This helps for swimming, as they act like flippers.
NatureThe Little Penguins are quite lively and has a strong bond with their group or family. They will do everything together and stand up for each other when people threaten their land or penguins from their tribe.
DietAs a semi-aquatic animal, one of the main sources of food is fish. These fish provide the penguin with nutrients and is what they commonly eat, although they have been known to eat shrimp (krill or small crustaceans) and squid.
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Scientific NameThe Australian Little Penguin's, (also known as the fairy or the blue penguin) scientific name is Eudyptula minor
EnclosureThe Little Penguins enclosure has both wet and dry areas, there is a body of water up against the glass, and there are large rocks, creating the dry areas. The water is up against the glass edge of the enclosure because we can better see the penguins when they are swimming, and what they would like when they are hunting. The rocks are layered to make the environment like the Australian coastline. There are also some small shrubs around the edges of the enclosure. These shrubs can withstand the salt from the water and the high pressure winds (as they live near the sea).
Hunting and FeedingThe adults hunt together in the ocean, (see 'Diet'). They catch their food by biting them with their sharp beaks. The food stays in their mouths until they have finished hunting. When they return to land, everyone comes together as it is safer to travel in groups. When feeding time comes, the adult penguins regurgitate the food into the chicks mouths, so they don't choke and it is easier to swallow.
Natural HabitatThe Little Penguin lives and breeds on Australia's coast line. The species does not need the cold climate like other penguins, but enjoys the warmer climates the Australia provides. They have been known to create nests underneath raised houses!
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