PenguinCams

The grand re-opening of the New Academy is still months away but the African Penguins have already moved in. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how they´re acclimating from any one of the three live webcams listed above.

Senior aquatic biologist, Pam Schaller´s, penguin blog will resume after our grand opening September 27.

July 1, 2008

Penguin Blog will continue in September

Filed under: CAS Penguin Colony — pschaller @ 1:42 pm

This is Pierre our oldest penguin standing in his new home in Golden Gate Park.   You will be able to find out more about Pierre and the rest of the African penguins in late September.  As for now biologists are busy putting together new Aquarium exhibits.  We are all looking forward to the Academy opening on 27 September 2008.

June 17, 2008

Ocio

Filed under: CAS Penguin Colony, Wild Penguins — pschaller @ 1:50 pm

Ocio has very unusual marking for an African penguin.  Most African penguins have large black cheek patches and a single stripe on their chest.  Ocio has small cheek patches and a second stripe on his chest.  The chances of these markings occurring in the wild is 1 in 4,000. 

June 14, 2008

Howard Has A Girlfriend

Filed under: CAS Penguin Colony — pschaller @ 1:08 pm

Howard and Safara are juvenile penguins.  They are young birds with dark head feathers.  Young penguins often imitate the older penguins and court each other.  Howard has been flirting with Safara.  He often will bow his head to her.  Safara will often follow Howard around.  The human equivalent to these behaviors are hand holding and kissing.

June 7, 2008

Penguin Behavior Study

Filed under: CAS Penguin Colony, Penguin Science — pschaller @ 4:57 pm

There is a penguin behavior study currently going on.  This is our Saturday Afternoon Crew observing and recording. Every 10 minutes the observers write down where every penguin is located and how it is behaving.  This study has been going on annually since 2004 and assists the staff by making sure every penguin is being closely tracked and monitored. 

May 29, 2008

Penguin Exhibit

Filed under: CAS Penguin Colony — pschaller @ 10:47 am

We tested the exhibit to make sure the penguins could manuever safely around the pool and on land.  Ocio, the penguin in the picture was the first to check out the new exhibit.

Penguin Exhibit Test

Pierre Sports a
New Look

   

He´s not just our oldest penguin, he's our most fashionable! Check out the custom wetsuit designed and tailored just for Pierre.

More Splash

   

The new penguin tank at the new Academy holds 25,000 gallons of water - more than twice the size of the old tank. That leaves plenty of room for penguin play and unprecedented viewing access for Academy visitors.