New animals are on the way to the Los Angeles Zoo, located in Los Angeles, California. After a 42-year absence, Magellanic penguins are returning to the facility, much to visitors’ excitement.
Learn more about the beautiful birds and their new habitat at the LA Zoo.
The Magellanic Penguins Will Be Well-Suited to Their Home in LA
The Association of Zoo & Aquariums is delighted to announce that Magellanic penguins are returning to the Los Angeles Zoo. This particular species of bird last resided at the facility in 1984. Now, there are six new members of the flock, ready to meet their fans in the Rainforest of the Americas section.
“We are thrilled to welcome these Magellanic penguins to the L.A. Zoo,” Misha Body, deputy director of animals and experiences, said in an official statement. “Adding these dynamic birds to the Rainforest of the Americas will add a lot of activity and excitement to the habitat and will provide our guests with an engaging new way to connect with the diverse wildlife of South America.”
Magellanic penguins are native to South America, residing primarily along the coastlines of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. They love temperate climates, which won’t make it difficult for them to adjust to their new home in Southern California. Unlike their cousins in Antarctica, Magellanic penguins are not ice dwellers.
The birds were named for the explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who was the first person to reach the Pacific from the Atlantic, sailing around the southern tip of South America. He identified the species of penguins in 1520.
Zoo Staff Worked Hard to Make the New Arrivals Comfortable
The new penguins came from two different facilities. Four arrived in Los Angeles from SeaWorld San Diego, and the other two came from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
“Bringing Magellanic penguins back to the L.A. Zoo after more than four decades is a monumental milestone for our animal care team,” Dominick Dorsa II, director of animal care for the Los Angeles Zoo, told the Association of Zoo & Aquariums. “Zoo staff worked tirelessly to prepare their habitat to ensure it properly accommodates the unique social dynamics and ecological needs of the species. We are very excited to have them here and to share the experience with our guests.”
Thankfully, Magellanic penguins are not endangered. In fact, they have a “Least Concern” label, issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, flocks in the wild are dwindling due to human interference. Oil pollution and climate change create serious issues for the birds.
Information regarding the Los Angeles Zoo hours of operation and ticket pricing can be found on the website.
Magellanic Penguins Back at the LA Zoo After 42 Years