# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXjz5Z7jKzi
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/64773601-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/445ba83f41.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-25T15:23:45.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

Highlighting the importance of flightless birds like the African penguin and committing to their protection is key for your Toronto Zoo, as we celebrate #WorldPenguinDay 🐧

The African penguin, located in your Zoo’s African Savanna region, is currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 

Researchers believe that there are anywhere from 17 to 21 different types of penguins. More research is needed to determine whether certain penguin types are subspecies or species in their own right. 

Sadly, this unique sea bird, found in parts of South Africa and Namibia, is at risk due to over-fishing, oil pollution and climate change. As a Zoo committed to protecting their species and bringing awareness about the effects of a changing climate, we are proud to be participating in the Species Survival Plan for African penguins, welcoming over 17 chicks since 2011 🐧🧡

We are also committed to a long-term partnership with our conservation partners at SANCCOB saves seabirds, furthering your Toronto Zoo’s conservation impact worldwide. 

So what’s been happening in the colony lately? Scooby and Poppy have just molted and are looking fresh (swipe left). African penguins go through what’s known as a “catastrophic molt” - a brief but intense period in which they shed and replace all their feathers at once, leaving them unable to enter the water and dependent on stored body fat until their new plumage is fully restored.

In other news, Wolfgang and Scout seem to be trying to have a secret affair, but Farai is having none of it. She will race over and chase Scout off her nest if she finds her there with Wolfgang.

Guests visiting their habitat may also notice Scooby and Wolfgang wearing a booty on one foot. They are dealing with a condition called Pododermatitis, commonly known as bumblefoot, and are being treated regularly with medicated foot baths and ointment. The booties help keep them comfortable while they heal 🧡

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 984
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- **Comments:** 5

## Tags

worldpenguinday

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