Penguins Return to Zoo After Upgrades and Renovations to the New Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point

Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to welcome a new colony of Magellanic penguins to the upgraded Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point habitat.

This is the first time in over 75 years the Zoo has had this species. The birds join the Zoo from Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities to create a new colony at the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which strategically pairs animals for breeding. As the penguins adjust to their new home, guests are invited to watch them dive in their outdoor pool and explore their outdoor habitat.

Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point features a brand-new indoor space and 5,500-gallon pool. While not visible to guests, this indoor habitat improves animal welfare. The penguins will be able to access the indoor space during severe weather, and this indoor habitat will also be used to protect the birds from the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Their outdoor habitat, features a rocky landscape for the birds to climb and jump, a 200,000-gallon outdoor pool for them to swim, dive and play in, and nesting burrows to support breeding programs.

Magellanic penguins live on the coastal grasslands around the southern tip of South America, including Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. They are typically 2 feet tall and weigh up to 15 pounds when fully grown. They are classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Meet the Penguins at the Zoo

Hagrid (M) – 15 years old. He’s known for stealing fish from other penguins! To his defense, he’s usually swimming while his care team is trying to feed him.
Pinkie (M) – 1 year old. He’s a curious penguin but can also be a little standoffish.
Lola (F) – 9 years old. Nicknamed “Lola Bean,” she enjoys meeting guests and likes attention from her animal care staff.
Nia (F) – 7 years old. She can be bit shy, but is always curious and enjoys training session.
Dee (F) – 5 years old. She is often swimming and will lead the colony in group porpoise behavior.

Magellanic Penguin Facts

• This species is named for the Straits of Magellan, a series of waterways at the southern tip of South America.
• They are typically 2 feet tall and weigh up to 15 pounds when fully grown.
• They are black and white and have two black stripes across their chest unlike other temperate penguin species including the Humboldt penguin, which has only one stripe.
• They are classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Learn more about the Magellanic penguin species here.