The Key to African Penguins' Breeding Success: A Well-Designed Environment
African penguins at the New England Aquarium are being carefully bred to preserve their species' genetic diversity. A key to their successful breeding is providing them with an environment that mimics their natural habitat. This breeding program not only helps protect the penguins from extinction but also allows the aquarium to educate the public about conservation efforts.
Creating the Ideal Breeding Environment
Penguin trainer Nick Vitale at the New England Aquarium is responsible for setting up the perfect love den for African penguins during the breeding season. The aquarium is one of 50 facilities participating in a species survival plan to protect the penguins from extinction caused by climate change, habitat loss, and overfishing.
To ensure the success of the breeding program, the aquarium selects penguin pairs that are genetically compatible and provides an environment that mimics their natural nesting conditions. In a chilly room, plastic bins with holes serve as penguin 'caves' where they can build their nests. By offering objects like garden hoses, the trainers hope to stimulate the penguins' instincts to mate.
Successful Breeding and Lifelong Pairing
African penguins choose one mate for a breeding season, and if successful, they may stay together for life. The aquarium sometimes brings in penguins from other institutions to ensure a good genetic mix, but the pairs typically form naturally without any intervention.
Durban and Harlequin, one of the older pairs at the New England Aquarium, have been together for nearly 25 years and have had eight chicks. Harlequin has recently stopped eating, indicating the arrival of an egg. The trainers are excited for the egg to hatch in about 40 days and contribute to the successful breeding program.
Beyond Captivity: Conservation and Education
Apart from breeding and keeping the species alive in captivity, the program also benefits the aquarium in several ways. The staff gains experience in raising baby penguins and assists in rehabilitating abandoned wild chicks for release. Additionally, the knowledge gained from caring for aging penguins is shared with colleagues in Africa.
However, the aquarium's most significant contribution to penguin protection is public education. By allowing the penguins to serve as ambassadors for their species, the aquarium raises awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to preserve the African penguins and their natural habitats.
