The Racine Zoo‘s African penguin family has four new members, bringing the size of the group to 10.
Bob was born in 2006 and is the largest of the four, weighing in at 10 pounds; Eon is eight years old and loves to swim and eat his fish off the floor; Stevie is the youngest at six years old, is shy with people but loves other penguins; and Norm, the old man of the group, is also the friendliest.
African penguins are considered medium-sized and are the only species of penguin that live at the southern most tip of Africa. They can dive more than 100 feet and hold their breath for more than two minutes as a time. In the wild, penguins eat up to 14 percent of their body weight, and their favorites are anchovies, small fish, squid, and shellfish.
Typical lifespans in the wild run about 20 years, but African penguins can live 30 or even 40 years in captivity.
“Adding birds to our existing penguin colony helps provide a more diverse and stable habitat for breeding,” said Beth Heidorn, executive director of the zoo, in a written statement. “Plus, it’s excellent socialization and keeps the penguins mentally stimulated as they play and interact with one another.”
The African penguins have been moved inside for the winter and can be viewed through a special viewing window.
Winter admission rates are free for members and children two and younger; $3 for children 3 to 15 years; $3.50 for seniors; and $4 for adults. Call (262) 636-9189.