Day 24 - The Galapagos Penguin






We know that our quick encounter with the Galapagos penguin was mentioned previously, but today, we wanted to go into a little more detail about these cool little birds!
The Galapagos penguin is endemic to the islands and is the only species of penguin that can be found in the northern hemisphere. They are also one of the smallest penguin species, making them even cuter. These birds love to eat fish that reside in cold water, so they like to spend their time where the Humboldt and Cromwell currents meet and create cold, deep waters. When we were snorkeling, our guide Ariana told us that the little black spots on the penguins' stomachs are similar to human fingerprints. Each penguin has a unique pattern of spots, so if you take pictures of the penguins, you can tell which ones you have seen before!
I think we are speaking for the group when we say that the penguins were one of our favorite animals we have seen on this trip. Unfortunately, these birds are endangered, with only about 2,000 existing within the archipelago. Their populations are heavily affected by introduced predators, pollution, loss of nesting sites, and climate change.
One way to help is by donating to conservation projects to protect the Galapagos ecosystem. One of these is the Galapagos Conservancy (https://www.galapagos.org/projects/saving-species/safeguarding-galapagos-penguins-from-climate-change/ ), and the other is the Galapagos Conservation Trust (https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/shop/merchandise/wildlife-adoptions/galapagos-penguin-adoption/ ) where you can even adopt a penguin to support efforts to save the species.

~Sarah + Grace

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 3, 2023 at 2:53 AM

    What little cuties. I’m so glad you were able to see them in their natural state.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 3, 2023 at 6:01 AM

    This blog is my favorite thing. I check it every day to see what you all are up to now.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MikeAugust 3, 2023 at 10:43 AM

    Wow another very interesting day in your trip. The critters are amazing and your comments re them is great.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousAugust 7, 2023 at 1:29 PM

    Cute pingüinos!

    ReplyDelete

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