Two African Penguin Chicks Born at NJ Aquarium Amid Critical Conservation Efforts

Adventure Aquarium in Camden announced two African penguin chicks hatched in early November. Oscar and Duffy became the 51st and 52nd of their kind born at this location. Their arrival came weeks after the International Union for Conservation of Nature reclassified African penguins from endangered to critically endangered in October 2024.

The public saw the chicks on Dec. 20. They'll go on display in late winter or early spring, depending on when they shed their downy fluff and grow waterproof feathers.

"There are several factors that determine when Oscar and Duffy will be ready to go on exhibit," Assistant Curator of Birds and Mammals Amanda Egen said in an email, according to PhillyVoice. "The biggest milestone is losing their down feathers and developing their waterproof feathers. Weather also plays a role, as even if they're physically ready, it may still be too cold for them to be outside."

Duffy honors staff member Jen Duffy, who has worked with the bird and mammal team since 2006. Oscar's name references his parents, Myer and Cornelia, whose nickname is Corn Dog, creating a hot dog-themed connection to the Oscar Mayer brand.

The species faces extinction by 2035 without prioritized conservation work, experts predict. Around 19,800 adults exist outside zoos today. Most live on small islands near South Africa.

A study found that more than 95% of penguins on Dassen Island and Robben Island, where two major colonies live, died between 2004 and 2012. Researchers believe the birds starved during their molting period, a 21-day stretch in which African penguins must stay on land.

The declining population stems from food shortages caused by overfishing and a lack of prey. Climate change has worsened conditions for birds native to South Africa's rocky shorelines and coastal islands.

"Experts predict that African penguins could be functionally extinct by 2035 if conservation efforts are not prioritized, emphasizing the important work of the Adventure Aquarium biologists and husbandry team in protecting and conserving the species," the organization said in a statement.

Oscar and Duffy follow the December 2024 hatching of Gabby and Shubert, the 49th and 50th chicks born at the facility. That pair marked the first hatchlings since 2020 and celebrated their first birthday on Dec. 1.

African penguins can dive up to 400 feet and eat up to 20% of their body weight in one meal despite their small size.