2 weeks Ago By Lauren Kelly
DUBLIN Zoo is celebrating World Penguin Day today. Here, Team Leader at Dublin Zoo Eddie O’Brien reveals all about Ireland’s “house-proud” penguins, the newly-hatched arrivals and conservation efforts to keep the species alive. Barry Mulvey - The Sun DublinEddie O’Brien looks after the penguins at Dublin Zoo[/caption]Crispin Rodwell - The Sun DublinThe penguins are very popular with visitors[/caption]EVERY year on 25 April, World Penguin Day offers a special opportunity to celebrate one of nature’s most resilient and captivating birds.
While often associated with the icy expanses of Antarctica, penguins are a diverse group that inhabit a wide range of environments, from frozen tundras to temperate coastlines.At Dublin Zoo, the focus on this day turns to a particularly charismatic and climate-adapted species: the Humboldt penguin.Native to the rugged, nutrient-rich coastal regions of Peru and Chile, these birds are built for survival in surprisingly warm climates.
Yet despite their adaptability, Humboldt penguins face increasing threats in the wild.Of the world’s 17 penguin species, many are experiencing population declines.The Humboldt penguins are no exception.
Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, their wild population is estimated at just 23,800 individuals.Their habitats are under pressure from industrial fishing, pollution, climate change, and coastal development, all of which disrupt the delicate balance of their ecosystem.At Dublin Zoo, conservation isn’t just a goal; it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Our colony of Humboldt penguins, known in Irish as Piongain Pheiriúch, play a vital role in our education and awareness efforts.Through immersive habitats, expert veterinary care, and engaging public programmes, we aim to connect visitors to the wider conservation story behind these birds.Of the nineteen Humboldt penguins here at Dublin Zoo, no two are the same in personality or appearance.
Each penguin sports a unique pattern of black chest spots, making them individually recognisable to our animal care team.The Humboldt penguins also have their own unique personalities.Some are shy and quiet, while others are a bit cheekier, often seen pecking at the keepers’ legs just for fun.
Then there are the more outgoing types, like Kelly, the oldest penguin in the colony.When Kelly decides it’s time for a dip in the pond, the others are often quick to follow!What sets Humboldt penguins apart isn’t just their geographic range, it’s their extraordinary adaptations.They rely on the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current to provide a steady supply of fish.
Their barbed tongues help grip slippery prey, and their specialized nasal glands allow them to process saltwater.To regulate body temperature, they flush pink around their beaks — a built-in cooling system that visitors can often spot on warmer days.These birds are social and monogamous by nature, often returning to the same mates and nesting spots each season.
The Humboldt penguins here at Dublin Zoo could easily be described as ‘house-proud’.They are extremely particular when it comes to setting up their nesting sites and dwelling areas, often spending plenty of time before breeding season carefully selecting and gathering materials to build their nests.Once nesting begins, both parents take turns incubating the eggs, sharing the responsibility equally.
There are currently two penguin chicks at Dublin Zoo; our first chick of 2025 hatched last week to proud parents Patrick and Houdini.Houdini got her name thanks to her knack for escaping her former habitat.She was transferred to Dublin Zoo in 2004, paired with Patrick, and the two have formed a very strong bond.
The team are also looking forward to another penguin chick (or chicks) in the near future, with breeding pair Belle and Cube currently incubating their eggs, which are due to hatch at the beginning of May.Beyond the zoo grounds, Dublin Zoo is proud to support field conservation through our ongoing partnership with Sphenisco, an international organisation working to protect Humboldt penguins in their native habitats.This partnership contributes to initiatives like regulating fishing zones, safeguarding breeding sites, and monitoring wild populations.
All essential for reversing the species’ decline.On World Penguin Day, Dublin Zoo invites all visitors to delve deeper into the story of these extraordinary birds.Whether observing them near Sea Lion Cove, attending a keeper talk, or joining a penguin-themed educational activity, guests are encouraged to see beyond the novelty and connect with the broader message of marine conservation.
Humboldt penguins are not just survivors, they are indicators of ocean health, sentinels of change, and ambassadors for marine ecosystems under threat.Through continued education, conservation, and collaboration, we hope to ensure that these remarkable birds remain a vibrant part of our planet’s biodiversity.Barry Mulvey - The Sun DublinToday is World Penguin Day[/caption].
