Today is #PenguinAwarenessDay! 🐧 The African penguin is the only penguin species native to the African continent. Found along the southwestern coast of Africa, from Namibia to South Africa, these charismatic seabirds are perfectly adapted to life at sea. Their sleek black and white plumage provides underwater camouflage through countershading, helping them avoid predators like sharks and seals. Even more fascinating, each African penguin has a unique pattern of black spots on its chest, much like a human fingerprint. Unlike many cold climate penguins, African penguins thrive in temperate environments. Special glands above their eyes help regulate body temperature, allowing them to stay cool in warmer conditions. You can find them right here in the African Savanna region at your Toronto Zoo. Sadly, the African penguin is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Overfishing, oil pollution, and climate change continue to threaten this unique species in the wi...