Penguins have now become the new bioindicators for understanding climate change. For the last few years, scientists have been studying penguins in Antarctica to try and understand the impact of global warming.

Penguins help understand climate change, here's how!

Penguins have become more than just a symbol of the frozen south of the earth. Researchers now use them as indicators of climate change near the South Pole. Certain western regions, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, have experienced rapid warming while East Antarctica remains cold and ice-covered.

Nothing is easy in the remote and icy reaches of Antarctica, but penguins are easier to track than other species because they nest on land and their black feathers and waste can be observed against the white ice.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/energy-inequality-plagues-the-world-us-causes-585-times-more-climate-emissions-than-congo-report-448543" hreflang="en">Energy inequality plagues the world; US causes 585 times more climate emissions than Congo: Report</a>

"We are counting penguin nests to understand how many penguins are in a colony, producing chicks every year, and whether that number is going up or down with the environmental conditions," said Borowicz, of Stony Brook University in New York.

"We can use penguins as a bioindicator to see how the rest of the ecosystem is operating," said Wethington, also of Stony Brook.

Counting individual penguins along with other methods such as satellite images provide a nuanced picture, showing some penguins dubbed 'winners' prosper as climate change opens new habitats, while others are compelled to migrate to colder climates.

The Gentoo penguin, with its bright orange beak and distinctive white marking on its head, prefers open water with chunks of ice bobbing about.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plan-to-dim-sun-rays-gets-thumbs-down-from-experts-here-is-why-445348" hreflang="en">Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why</a>

During the latter half of the 20th century, temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula began rising faster than almost anywhere else in the world, leading to Gentoo populations expanding southwards - known as the "gentoofication" of Antarctica.

The reduction of sea ice at the western end of the peninsula has enabled the Gentoos to thrive. For tuxedo-wearing Adelies, which rely on sea ice for breeding and feeding, the same conditions have made it worse.

"When we find Adelie penguins, we typically know that sea ice is nearby," Wethington said. "And whenever we've seen sea ice declining or disappearing altogether, then we're seeing corresponding Adelie penguin populations decline substantially."

Overall, Adelie penguin populations are increasing, but some populations have declined by more than 65 per cent.

Scientists from Stony Brook University made an expedition to the region in January and found that Adelie colonies around the still-icy Weddell Sea had remained stable over the past decade.

Watch |&nbsp;Frozen iguanas fall from trees as cold snap hits Florida

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"This peninsula is maybe a safe space as we see climate change progressing and overall warming throughout the globe," Wethington said.

MV Arctic Sunrise expedition leader Heather Lynch believes the findings point to the conservation value of the region.

Using satellite images, a team from the British Antarctic Survey discovered 11 new emperor penguin colonies in 2020, increasing known colonies by 20 per cent.

The Halley Bay colony, on the most eastern side of the Weddell Sea, is home to the second-largest breeding colony of emperor penguins in the world, with about 25,000 breeding pairs gathering each year.

However, since 2016 every chick in this colony has perished.

Researchers believe the 2016 El Niño event altered the sea ice dynamics in the area, and penguins are at risk as climate change increases the frequency and severity of El Niños.

In spite of the chicks' deaths not being directly linked to climate change, Peter Fretwell, a geographic information scientist with the British Antarctic Survey, noted there was a climate change component to the loss.

(With inputs from agencies)

Penguins have become more than just a symbol of the frozen south of the earth. Researchers now use them as indicators of climate change near the South Pole. Certain western regions, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, have experienced rapid warming while East Antarctica remains cold and ice-covered.

Penguins have become more than just a symbol of the frozen south of the earth. Researchers now use them as indicators of climate change near the South Pole. Certain western regions, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, have experienced rapid warming while East Antarctica remains cold and ice-covered. Nothing is easy in the remote and icy reaches of Antarctica, but penguins are easier to track than other species because they nest on land and their black feathers and waste can be observed against the white ice. Also read | Energy inequality plagues the world; US causes 585 times more climate emissions than Congo: Report "We are counting penguin nests to understand how many penguins are in a colony, producing chicks every year, and whether that number is going up or down with the environmental conditions," said Borowicz, of Stony Brook University in New York. "We can use penguins as a bioindicator to see how the rest of the ecosystem is operating," said Wethington, also of Stony Brook. Counting individual penguins along with other methods such as satellite images provide a nuanced picture, showing some penguins dubbed 'winners' prosper as climate change opens new habitats, while others are compelled to migrate to colder climates. The Gentoo penguin, with its bright orange beak and distinctive white marking on its head, prefers open water with chunks of ice bobbing about. Also read | Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why During the latter half of the 20th century, temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula began rising faster than almost anywhere else in the world, leading to Gentoo populations expanding southwards - known as the "gentoofication" of Antarctica. The reduction of sea ice at the western end of the peninsula has enabled the Gentoos to thrive. For tuxedo-wearing Adelies, which rely on sea ice for breeding and feeding, the same conditions have made it worse. "When we find Adelie penguins, we typically know that sea ice is nearby," Wethington said. "And whenever we've seen sea ice declining or disappearing altogether, then we're seeing corresponding Adelie penguin populations decline substantially." Overall, Adelie penguin populations are increasing, but some populations have declined by more than 65 per cent. Scientists from Stony Brook University made an expedition to the region in January and found that Adelie colonies around the still-icy Weddell Sea had remained stable over the past decade. Watch | Frozen iguanas fall from trees as cold snap hits Florida "This peninsula is maybe a safe space as we see climate change progressing and overall warming throughout the globe," Wethington said. MV Arctic Sunrise expedition leader Heather Lynch believes the findings point to the conservation value of the region. Using satellite images, a team from the British Antarctic Survey discovered 11 new emperor penguin colonies in 2020, increasing known colonies by 20 per cent. The Halley Bay colony, on the most eastern side of the Weddell Sea, is home to the second-largest breeding colony of emperor penguins in the world, with about 25,000 breeding pairs gathering each year. However, since 2016 every chick in this colony has perished. Researchers believe the 2016 El Niño event altered the sea ice dynamics in the area, and penguins are at risk as climate change increases the frequency and severity of El Niños. In spite of the chicks' deaths not being directly linked to climate change, Peter Fretwell, a geographic information scientist with the British Antarctic Survey, noted there was a climate change component to the loss. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's how scientists use Penguins to predict climate change

For the first time, a pair of male Humboldt penguins has become foster parents to a new hatchling at a zoo in New York, the United States. &nbsp;

Although this same-sex foster couple is a first for the zoo, many other institutions have witnessed success with such penguins tending to eggs together and caring for newborns, said the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/now-robot-conducts-surgery-on-pigs-successfully-without-any-help-448430" hreflang="en">Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help</a>

The couple, Elmer and Lima, watched over an egg, which came from a pair of breeding penguins having a tendency of inadvertently breaking fertilised eggs, said zoo officials. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On New Year’s Day, they were successful when the chick hatched. &nbsp;

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🐧🌈🐧 We have some very exciting news! The first chick to be fostered by a pair of same-sex penguins at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo hatched on January 1! Read the full news release here: <a href="https://t.co/NuVJMtLDde">https://t.co/NuVJMtLDde</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syracusezoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syracusezoo</a> <a href="https://t.co/nfbfiYL08p">pic.twitter.com/nfbfiYL08p</a>
— Rosamond Gifford Zoo (@SyracuseZoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SyracuseZoo/status/1487122080579690497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Ted Fox, director, zoo, said that not all penguin pairs are good at incubating eggs, but “Elmer and Lima were exemplary in every aspect of egg care.” &nbsp;

“It continues to be brooded and cared for by both Elmer and Lima, who are doing a great job. And once they have experience doing this and continue to do it well, they will be considered to foster future eggs,” Fox said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sharp-mind-hippos-recognise-voices-can-differentiate-between-friend-foe-447468" hreflang="en">Sharp mind? Hippos recognise voices, can differentiate between friend, foe</a>

During the current breeding season, the pair was first tested by putting a dummy egg in the nest they&nbsp;had built together last fall, the experts said. &nbsp;

When they passed the test, the officials replaced the dummy egg with a real one. The duo took turns to incubate the egg until the chick hatched, Fox said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, a pair of male Humboldt penguins has become foster parents to a new hatchling at a zoo in New York, the United States. Although this same-sex foster couple is a first for the zoo, many other institutions have witnessed success with such penguins tending to eggs together and caring for newborns, said the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse.

For the first time, a pair of male Humboldt penguins has become foster parents to a new hatchling at a zoo in New York, the United States. Although this same-sex foster couple is a first for the zoo, many other institutions have witnessed success with such penguins tending to eggs together and caring for newborns, said the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. Also Read: Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help The couple, Elmer and Lima, watched over an egg, which came from a pair of breeding penguins having a tendency of inadvertently breaking fertilised eggs, said zoo officials. On New Year’s Day, they were successful when the chick hatched. 🐧🌈🐧 We have some very exciting news! The first chick to be fostered by a pair of same-sex penguins at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo hatched on January 1! Read the full news release here: https://t.co/NuVJMtLDde #Syracusezoo pic.twitter.com/nfbfiYL08p — Rosamond Gifford Zoo (@SyracuseZoo) January 28, 2022 × Ted Fox, director, zoo, said that not all penguin pairs are good at incubating eggs, but “Elmer and Lima were exemplary in every aspect of egg care.” “It continues to be brooded and cared for by both Elmer and Lima, who are doing a great job. And once they have experience doing this and continue to do it well, they will be considered to foster future eggs,” Fox said. Also Read: Sharp mind? Hippos recognise voices, can differentiate between friend, foe During the current breeding season, the pair was first tested by putting a dummy egg in the nest they had built together last fall, the experts said. When they passed the test, the officials replaced the dummy egg with a real one. The duo took turns to incubate the egg until the chick hatched, Fox said. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, same-sex penguins become foster parents in US zoo. Find out how

January 20 is celebrated as a Penguin Awareness Day. It is a day to not just talk about how cute these creatures are, but also think about saving them. Some researchers are already on their hunt to find a way to preserve these unique flightless birds. Take a look at their journey through Antarctica.

Penguin Awareness Day: Climate change is making Penguin colonies vanish

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs.

Scientists from Massey University have now examined and formally described the find. &nbsp;

"The penguin is similar to the Kairuku giant penguins first described from Otago but has much longer legs, which the researchers used to name the penguin waewaeroa – Te reo Māori for 'long legs'," explained zoologist Daniel Thomas from Massey University. He was quoted by Sciencealert.

Scientists say that long legs must have made these penguins taller than other penguins.

The ancient continent of Zealandia of which New Zealand forms a part has been associated with 10 ancient giant penguins. This includes 60-million-year-old, 1.6-meter-tall Crossvallia waiparensis discovered in 2019, and 30-million-year-old Kairuku waitaki.

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs.

A lucky group of schoolkids in New Zealand found fossils of a unique species of giant penguins in 2006. Hamilton Junior Naturalist Club's field trip led to the students discovering fossilised remains of the penguin's torso, arms and legs. Scientists from Massey University have now examined and formally described the find. "The penguin is similar to the Kairuku giant penguins first described from Otago but has much longer legs, which the researchers used to name the penguin waewaeroa – Te reo Māori for 'long legs'," explained zoologist Daniel Thomas from Massey University. He was quoted by Sciencealert. Scientists say that long legs must have made these penguins taller than other penguins. The ancient continent of Zealandia of which New Zealand forms a part has been associated with 10 ancient giant penguins. This includes 60-million-year-old, 1.6-meter-tall Crossvallia waiparensis discovered in 2019, and 30-million-year-old Kairuku waitaki.

New Zealand: Giant Penguin fossil found by schoolkids gets classified

In a heart-rending news, the world lost one of its oldest penguins at the Oregon Zoo in the US on Saturday. &nbsp;

The 31-year-old animal is called Mochica or Mo. The animal was America's oldest male Humboldt penguin. He lived his entire life at the zoo in Portland until he had to be euthanised due to old age ailments. &nbsp;

Travis Koons, who oversees the zoo's bird population, said, "He had a mature cataract in one eye, old-age haze in the other, bilateral arthritis in his hips. He was just a very old bird. It was hard for him to see, and at times, difficult for him to walk." &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Thriving seal population dips in Britain's River Thames

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Hatched on July 6, 1990, the animal enjoyed spending time with people. He also often chose hanging out in the keepers' quarters over the companionship of his bird friends. &nbsp;

Koons added, "It was pretty common to walk into the keeper kitchen area and find Mo 'helping' with the food prep or just hanging out with care staff there." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The animal was the oldest male of his species in any North American zoo or aquarium and perhaps the whole world, as per Koons. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-hottest-summer-on-record-climate-scientists-411713" hreflang="en">Europe’s hottest summer on record: Climate scientists</a>

In a news release, the zoo said, he belonged to the wild Humboldt species, which rarely live past the age of 20. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's an incredibly sad day for his care team and for everyone who spent time with this amazing bird. We've all had times in our lives where animals have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Mochica has done that for thousands of people. He inspired generations," Koons added.&nbsp;

In a heart-rending news, the world lost one of its oldest penguins at the Oregon Zoo in the US on Saturday. The 31-year-old animal is called Mochica or Mo. The animal was America's oldest male Humboldt penguin.

In a heart-rending news, the world lost one of its oldest penguins at the Oregon Zoo in the US on Saturday. The 31-year-old animal is called Mochica or Mo. The animal was America's oldest male Humboldt penguin. He lived his entire life at the zoo in Portland until he had to be euthanised due to old age ailments. Travis Koons, who oversees the zoo's bird population, said, "He had a mature cataract in one eye, old-age haze in the other, bilateral arthritis in his hips. He was just a very old bird. It was hard for him to see, and at times, difficult for him to walk." Watch: Thriving seal population dips in Britain's River Thames × Hatched on July 6, 1990, the animal enjoyed spending time with people. He also often chose hanging out in the keepers' quarters over the companionship of his bird friends. Koons added, "It was pretty common to walk into the keeper kitchen area and find Mo 'helping' with the food prep or just hanging out with care staff there." The animal was the oldest male of his species in any North American zoo or aquarium and perhaps the whole world, as per Koons. Also Read: Europe’s hottest summer on record: Climate scientists In a news release, the zoo said, he belonged to the wild Humboldt species, which rarely live past the age of 20. "It's an incredibly sad day for his care team and for everyone who spent time with this amazing bird. We've all had times in our lives where animals have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Mochica has done that for thousands of people. He inspired generations," Koons added.

World’s one of oldest Humboldt penguins euthanised at Oregon zoo in US  

What started out as a noble life-saving gesture for the Tasmanian Devil turned into a death sentence for Little Penguins on an Australian island.

As a measure to preserve populations, authorities shipped Tasmanian Devils to Maria Island, situated east of Tasmania in 2012. But since then, the island has lost a significant percentage of its birdlife.

According to a survey conducted by BirdLife Tasmania, Little&nbsp;Penguins,&nbsp;the smallest of their kind&nbsp; have been completely purged from the island in the last 9 years on the island spanning 116-square-kilometres.

A decade ago, the same island was home to 3,000 pairs of penguins. Now, they’re nowhere to be seen. At the same time, the population of Tasmanian Devils has shot up tremendously. Although this move may have saved the Devils, it came at the catastrophic cost of other species.

Why were Devils moved?

The “devil facial tumour disease” had been killing Tasmanian Devils in large numbers over the last few decades. To counter this, officials whipped up the idea of introducing 28 Devils to the island in a bid to create a geographically isolated pool - free from the threat of the cancer.

Between 2012-13, 28 Devils were released onto the island. But by 2016, the population had grown to an estimated 100. The convenor of BirdLife Tasmania Dr Eric Woehler told The Guardian that every time mammals were introduced to oceanic islands, a similar catastrophic impact was felt on bird species.

In 2011, a report published by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment rightly predicted that the introduction of carnivorous species like the Tasmanian Devils would have a massive negative impact on Little Penguin colonies

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/researchers-plan-new-colony-as-african-penguins-face-extinction-risk-341926" hreflang="en">Researchers plan new colony as African penguins face extinction risk</a>

Penguins are not the only victims. Turns out, the Devils have also reduced the colonies of short-tailed shearwaters on Maria Island. Tasmanian Devils are relatively larger than bird species and can also dig efficiently.&nbsp;

What is all necessary? Another research from 2020 claims that facial cancer was unlikely to wipe out Tasmanian Devils and the spread of this disease has appeared to slow down. Unfortunately for the Little Penguins, there is no redemption.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tasmanian-tigers-are-extinct-why-do-people-keep-seeing-them-369483" hreflang="en">Tasmanian tigers are extinct. Why do people keep seeing them?</a>

What started out as a noble life-saving gesture for the Tasmanian Devil turned into a death sentence for Little Penguins on an Australian island. As a measure to preserve populations, authorities shipped Tasmanian Devils to Maria Island, situated east of Tasmania in 2012.

What started out as a noble life-saving gesture for the Tasmanian Devil turned into a death sentence for Little Penguins on an Australian island. As a measure to preserve populations, authorities shipped Tasmanian Devils to Maria Island, situated east of Tasmania in 2012. But since then, the island has lost a significant percentage of its birdlife. According to a survey conducted by BirdLife Tasmania, Little Penguins, the smallest of their kind have been completely purged from the island in the last 9 years on the island spanning 116-square-kilometres. A decade ago, the same island was home to 3,000 pairs of penguins. Now, they’re nowhere to be seen. At the same time, the population of Tasmanian Devils has shot up tremendously. Although this move may have saved the Devils, it came at the catastrophic cost of other species. Why were Devils moved? The “devil facial tumour disease” had been killing Tasmanian Devils in large numbers over the last few decades. To counter this, officials whipped up the idea of introducing 28 Devils to the island in a bid to create a geographically isolated pool - free from the threat of the cancer. Between 2012-13, 28 Devils were released onto the island. But by 2016, the population had grown to an estimated 100. The convenor of BirdLife Tasmania Dr Eric Woehler told The Guardian that every time mammals were introduced to oceanic islands, a similar catastrophic impact was felt on bird species. In 2011, a report published by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment rightly predicted that the introduction of carnivorous species like the Tasmanian Devils would have a massive negative impact on Little Penguin colonies Also read: Researchers plan new colony as African penguins face extinction risk Penguins are not the only victims. Turns out, the Devils have also reduced the colonies of short-tailed shearwaters on Maria Island. Tasmanian Devils are relatively larger than bird species and can also dig efficiently. What is all necessary? Another research from 2020 claims that facial cancer was unlikely to wipe out Tasmanian Devils and the spread of this disease has appeared to slow down. Unfortunately for the Little Penguins, there is no redemption. Also read: Tasmanian tigers are extinct. Why do people keep seeing them?

How saving Tasmanian Devils meant sentencing Little Penguins to death on Maria Island

They have been living under strict confinement measures for months, but soon the second shot of a life-saving vaccine will let them go outside and get back to their normal lives.

While it sounds like a familiar story, in this case their normal lives involve sliding about on their bellies, frolicking in icy water and catching fish in their mouths.

Twenty-nine gentoo penguins at Norway's Bergen Aquarium have had a tarp stretched over their pen since early December after cases of a highly infectious bird flu strain, H5N8, were detected in the country.

"Because of this, the Food Health Authority introduced a curfew: all birds in captivity must be kept under a roof," aquarium director Aslak Sverdrup told AFP on Thursday.&nbsp;

But the end is in sight, with the arrival of bird flu vaccine doses.

The oldest and most fragile had their first shot on Wednesday, followed by the younger penguins on Thursday, the aquarium said.

Among the freshly immunised is "Erna", named for Prime Minister Erna Solberg who once had a summer job at the aquarium, a tourist attraction in the western city where she was born.

Once the second vaccine dose has been administered in a month's time, the birds will be able to see the sky again.

"The fact that penguins are being vaccinated now is pure coincidence, totally independent of the coronavirus, but it shows that vaccines are important, even more so today," Sverdrup said.

In the wild, gentoo penguins live on the other side of the Earth, in Antarctica.

None at the Bergen Aquarium caught the flu, and while the disease can be devastating for birds, transmission to humans is rare.

They have been living under strict confinement measures for months, but soon the second shot of a life-saving vaccine will let them go outside and get back to their normal lives.

They have been living under strict confinement measures for months, but soon the second shot of a life-saving vaccine will let them go outside and get back to their normal lives. While it sounds like a familiar story, in this case their normal lives involve sliding about on their bellies, frolicking in icy water and catching fish in their mouths. Twenty-nine gentoo penguins at Norway's Bergen Aquarium have had a tarp stretched over their pen since early December after cases of a highly infectious bird flu strain, H5N8, were detected in the country. "Because of this, the Food Health Authority introduced a curfew: all birds in captivity must be kept under a roof," aquarium director Aslak Sverdrup told AFP on Thursday. But the end is in sight, with the arrival of bird flu vaccine doses. The oldest and most fragile had their first shot on Wednesday, followed by the younger penguins on Thursday, the aquarium said. Among the freshly immunised is "Erna", named for Prime Minister Erna Solberg who once had a summer job at the aquarium, a tourist attraction in the western city where she was born. Once the second vaccine dose has been administered in a month's time, the birds will be able to see the sky again. "The fact that penguins are being vaccinated now is pure coincidence, totally independent of the coronavirus, but it shows that vaccines are important, even more so today," Sverdrup said. In the wild, gentoo penguins live on the other side of the Earth, in Antarctica. None at the Bergen Aquarium caught the flu, and while the disease can be devastating for birds, transmission to humans is rare.

Norway penguins get vaccinated, isolation nearly over

The population of African penguins is dwindling across the continent, and researchers have now come up with a new plan to counter this decline.

As part of their efforts, researchers in South Africa are planning to release plenty of African penguin chicks which were abandoned. They will release the chicks into Wester Cape’s De Hoop natural reserve, as reported by Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/climate-crisis-satellites-spots-throng-of-emperor-penguins-from-space-318286" hreflang="en">Climate crisis: Satellites spots throng of Emperor penguins from space</a>

Currently, the birds face the risk of extinction, and this move could boost efforts to kick-start the creation of a colony.

This is the only penguin who breeds in Africa, and was at one point South Africa’s most widespread seabird.

<h6><img alt="Group of endangered African penguins walk across Seaforth Beach, near Cape Town, South Africa, November 3, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b16fdd5e-3481-425a-9e2f-f71a568ac626" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_160.jpg" />Group of endangered African penguins walk across Seaforth Beach, near Cape Town, South Africa, November 3, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

In the 1920s, more than 1 million pairs of the penguin were living in Africa. But now, the population has plunged to 13,000 pairs, as recorded in 2019.

This decline may be attributed to the harvesting of eggs by humans, as per government data.

Since 2019, researchers have deployed dummy penguins that imitate the call pf the birds. This will help invite penguins in to the De Hoop, which is located 230 kilometres southeast of Cape Town.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/edge/video-these-penguins-are-only-found-in-africa-8240" hreflang="en">Video: These penguins are only found in Africa</a>

After this didn’t yield expected results, the researchers are expected to release 50 young birds starting in early 2021. At least 50 birds will be released each year.

In South Africa and Namibia, the decline in penguin populations has been attributed to minimised fish stocks, and climate change.

The population of African penguins is dwindling across the continent, and researchers have now come up with a new plan to counter this decline. As part of their efforts, researchers in South Africa are planning to release plenty of African penguin chicks which were abandoned.

The population of African penguins is dwindling across the continent, and researchers have now come up with a new plan to counter this decline. As part of their efforts, researchers in South Africa are planning to release plenty of African penguin chicks which were abandoned. They will release the chicks into Wester Cape’s De Hoop natural reserve, as reported by Reuters. Also read: Climate crisis: Satellites spots throng of Emperor penguins from space Currently, the birds face the risk of extinction, and this move could boost efforts to kick-start the creation of a colony. This is the only penguin who breeds in Africa, and was at one point South Africa’s most widespread seabird. Group of endangered African penguins walk across Seaforth Beach, near Cape Town, South Africa, November 3, 2020 | Reuters In the 1920s, more than 1 million pairs of the penguin were living in Africa. But now, the population has plunged to 13,000 pairs, as recorded in 2019. This decline may be attributed to the harvesting of eggs by humans, as per government data. Since 2019, researchers have deployed dummy penguins that imitate the call pf the birds. This will help invite penguins in to the De Hoop, which is located 230 kilometres southeast of Cape Town. Also read: Video: These penguins are only found in Africa After this didn’t yield expected results, the researchers are expected to release 50 young birds starting in early 2021. At least 50 birds will be released each year. In South Africa and Namibia, the decline in penguin populations has been attributed to minimised fish stocks, and climate change.

Researchers plan new colony as African penguins face extinction risk

Some extremely cute additions have arrived at Lima's Parque de Leyendas zoo after the recent hatching of two penguin chicks and the birth of a baby alpaca.

Penguin chicks and a baby alpaca the newest additions to Peru zoo

An aquarium near Tokyo has come up with an interesting way to keep animal-lovers entertained during the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-among-3-key-us-members-of-white-house-response-team-in-self-quarantine-after-covid-exposure-297726" hreflang="en">Fauci among 3 key US members of White House response team in self-quarantine after COVID exposure</a>

The penguins at this aquarium have been introduced to seals for the first time in what is being called an inter-species meetup.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-describes-trump-handling-of-virus-as-chaotic-in-a-leaked-call-297714" hreflang="en">Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic in a leaked call</a>

&nbsp;The aquarium staff have been recording such inter-species interactions and uploading the clips on social media.

The idea is to keep the public entertained, even though the aquarium is closed.

Not just the penguins. Even otters were part of the inter-species meetup.

The aquarium staff introduced an otter to a Beluga whale - giving us this heart-warming interaction on your screens right now.

An aquarium near Tokyo has come up with an interesting way to keep animal-lovers entertained during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Fauci among 3 key US members of White House response team in self-quarantine after COVID exposure The penguins at this aquarium have been introduced to seals for the first time in what is being called an inter-species meetup.

An aquarium near Tokyo has come up with an interesting way to keep animal-lovers entertained during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Fauci among 3 key US members of White House response team in self-quarantine after COVID exposure The penguins at this aquarium have been introduced to seals for the first time in what is being called an inter-species meetup. Also read: Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic in a leaked call The aquarium staff have been recording such inter-species interactions and uploading the clips on social media. The idea is to keep the public entertained, even though the aquarium is closed. Not just the penguins. Even otters were part of the inter-species meetup. The aquarium staff introduced an otter to a Beluga whale - giving us this heart-warming interaction on your screens right now.

Aquarium in Tokyo finds innovative way to keep animal-lovers entertained amid coronavirus pandemic

Staff at Sewerby Hall and Gardens Zoo helped Humboldt penguin Rosie celebrate her 30th birthday in lockdown on Monday (April 20).

Rosie the Humboldt penguin celebrates 30th birthday

While Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is closed to the public due to coronavirus quarantine, animal care staff and veterinarians are onsite 24/7.

Penguins' field trip at Chicago Aquarium

Researchers in Argentina have announced the discovery of fossilized skin of a 43-million-year-old penguin on Marambio Island in the Antarctic.

The fossilized skin which was a part of the penguin's wing belongs to the Palaeeudyptes gunnari, one of the many extinct types of penguins that lived in Antarctica during the Eocene period, which lasted from around 56 to 34 million years ago.

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(In photo: Fossil from which remains were extracted)

At that time, Antarctica was covered in woodland and boasted a diverse fauna.

Watch: Polish zoo shows off unique albino penguin

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After it's discovery, the fossil was studied at the La Plata Museum by Argentine palaeontologist Carolina Acosta Hospitaleche, the agency for scientific disclosure at La Matanza National University said on Friday.

According to Acosta Hospitaleche, "the fossilization of the skin of this wing is unique because it's the first conserved example in the world of a penguin with skin".

"The skin was conserved as a fossil on both surfaces of its wing, enveloping the bones that have remained articulated in their original position," she added.

Researchers in Argentina have announced the discovery of fossilized skin of a 43-million-year-old penguin on Marambio Island in the Antarctic. The fossilized skin which was a part of the penguin's wing belongs to the Palaeeudyptes gunnari, one of the many extinct types of penguins that lived in Antarctica during the Eocene period, which lasted from around 56 to 34 million years ago.

Researchers in Argentina have announced the discovery of fossilized skin of a 43-million-year-old penguin on Marambio Island in the Antarctic. The fossilized skin which was a part of the penguin's wing belongs to the Palaeeudyptes gunnari, one of the many extinct types of penguins that lived in Antarctica during the Eocene period, which lasted from around 56 to 34 million years ago. (In photo: Fossil from which remains were extracted) At that time, Antarctica was covered in woodland and boasted a diverse fauna. Watch: Polish zoo shows off unique albino penguin After it's discovery, the fossil was studied at the La Plata Museum by Argentine palaeontologist Carolina Acosta Hospitaleche, the agency for scientific disclosure at La Matanza National University said on Friday. According to Acosta Hospitaleche, "the fossilization of the skin of this wing is unique because it's the first conserved example in the world of a penguin with skin". "The skin was conserved as a fossil on both surfaces of its wing, enveloping the bones that have remained articulated in their original position," she added.

Fossilized skin of 43-million-year-old penguin found in Argentina

Antarctic penguin colonies have declined by 77 percent in 50 years. Experts claim this is largely a result of climate change. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how climate change is killing the chinstrap penguins of Antarctica.

Gravitas: Antarctic penguins are dying

Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens

In Harbin, five penguins were out on Tuesday (January 7) to show people how to walk properly on a snowy day.

Penguins in Harbin show you how to walk on snow

Bullfrogs, pythons and penguins were among the animals to hit the scales at London Zoo for their annual weigh-in on Thursday (August 22).

Penguins to porcupines hit the scales for annual London zoo weigh-in

Australia's same-sex penguins become parents

The African Penguin Festival showcases a unique species of penguins that is found nowhere else in the planet. There are about 24 known colonies of these penguins all around South Africa.

Conservation and rehabilitation of the species is critical to ensure its survival, given that its population has declined from 5 million in the 1930s to merely 60,000 today.

On the African Penguin Awareness Day, these rehabilitated penguins were released into the wild to ensure the survival of their species.

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Urgent action is needed to save the species, given that its numbers have shrunk rapidly over decades

The African Penguin Festival showcases a unique species of penguins that is found nowhere else in the planet. There are about 24 known colonies of these penguins all around South Africa. Conservation and rehabilitation of the species is critical to ensure its survival, given that its population has declined from 5 million in the 1930s to merely 60,000 today. On the African Penguin Awareness Day, these rehabilitated penguins were released into the wild to ensure the survival of their species.

Video: These penguins are only found in Africa

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