Superpowers

African penguin

Super Smell

Sardines are a favourite food of Penguins. It’s quite easy for penguins to find them, because when sardines eat phytoplankton, the phytoplankton release a chemical into the water that penguins can smell. It’s kind of like the sardines saying, ‘Hey! We’re over here!’

Wings as flippers

Penguins may not be able to fly like normal birds, but their rigid wings are used like paddles for swimming underwater, and their webbed feet are used for steering. They swim so fast, it looks like they’re flying!

Clever Feathers

Penguins make use of their black and white marking to catch fish easier. Their markings can be confusing to a school of fish. Some fish panic and try to break away, and this makes it easy to catch a fish.

Penguins can keep themselves warm and snuggly. Their feathers form a tight layer over one another and this traps warm air against their bodies. This sounds like a penguin duvet to me!

Underwater goggles

Penguins can see underwater. A unique membrane covers their eyes – it works just like goggles! By seeing so well underwater, they are better equipped to catch fast moving fish.

Penguin Waterproofing

Penguins have a gland at the base of their tails that secretes a fine oil. They use this oil to waterproof themselves by rubbing it onto their feathers. This keeps them dry and warm so they can stay at sea for a long time.

Be Aware

When penguins get oiled after an oil spill, this oil destroys their natural waterproofing and they can suffer from hypothermia. If you should come across an oiled penguin at the beach, you can call SANCCOB to help https://sanccob.co.za/

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