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Aging African Penguins Find New Sanctuary at New England Aquarium

As African penguins age, their energy levels reduce significantly. These delightful seabirds often face age-related health issues such as arthritis and require more frequent periods of rest. Recognizing this natural decline, the New England Aquarium in Boston has established a unique habitat designed for their older penguins, allowing them to live comfortably in their later years.

Launched in mid-March, the aquarium’s penguin “retirement” haven has welcomed its first residents, with eight penguins now enjoying this specially-designed sanctuary. Diana Major, the aquarium’s penguin manager, describes this new habitat as akin to “assisted living,” aimed at providing a tranquil and soothing environment for the birds. “Being relaxed is key, and we believe this retirement home will ultimately promote their happiness and health,” she stated in a press release.

In the wild, African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) generally live between 10 and 15 years if they survive the numerous threats they face. Their population is classified as critically endangered, primarily due to challenges including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change in their natural coastal territories of South Africa and Namibia.

Predatory birds such as gulls and ibises are a significant hazard, consuming up to 40 percent of their eggs, while additional threats come from natural predators like caracals and leopards. Furthermore, the ongoing issue of overfishing depletes their food supply, forcing them to travel further out to hunt for sustenance, which in turn complicates their breeding. “They expend so much energy swimming further out, leaving less for feeding their young,” Jen Kottyan, a bird curator at the Maryland Zoo, explained to the Daily Free Press.

Scientists have raised alarms regarding the future of African penguins, projecting the possibility of extinction in the wild by 2035. However, institutions like the New England Aquarium, along with other facilities, are actively engaged in conservation efforts as part of coordinated initiatives led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Unlike their wild counterparts, penguins in captivity at the New England Aquarium receive continuous care from experienced caretakers and veterinarians. Their habitat includes specialized services such as physical therapy, eye treatments, and tailored diets enriched with added hydration to support kidney health. The facility routinely monitors their health for issues like arthritis and cataracts.

Thanks to these interventions, some African penguins at the aquarium are now reaching advanced ages, with several surpassing the life expectancies typically observed in the wild. “In a natural setting, they wouldn’t be able to thrive at this age,” Major noted in a different statement. “In the wild, slowing down often leads to predation.”

This new retirement space is designed to minimize stress, allowing senior penguins to coexist without competition for resources or exposure to aggressive behavior from younger birds. The reduced population density enables caretakers to monitor the penguins more closely using both in-person checks and camera feeds. Looking ahead, additional features such as ramps and flat lounging areas are planned to enhance accessibility for the aging residents.

While the retirement island is separated from the other three penguin habitats by a mesh gate, the birds still have the opportunity to see and hear younger penguins nearby. This arrangement gives them the freedom to relax and enjoy their surroundings. “They can take their time eating and don’t have to rush away from others eager to feed,” commented Kristen McMahon, the aquarium’s curator of pinnipeds and penguins. “The atmosphere is more subdued, leading to less territoriality and increased restfulness.”

The retirement colony is home to a variety of unique personalities, including 32-year-old Harlequin and 31-year-old Durban, who have been together since 2000 and have raised eight chicks. Other residents include Lambert, a 32-year-old male with a younger mate named Dyer, and Boulders, 34, along with 29-year-old Isis, both female and single. Recently, the addition of a 35-year-old penguin named Good Hope and his 23-year-old mate, St. Croix, expanded the group’s dynamics, as reported by Axios.

Each penguin presents its own distinct traits, with some enjoying neck and back scratches, demonstrating their affectionate and intelligent nature. “It’s very heartwarming to see how personable they can be,” noted Melissa Joblon, the director of animal health.

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