When you sign up for Zoolife, 80% of the proceeds directly fund the Santa Barbara Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts.
Freckled Flock
No, they don’t all look alike! Each penguin has spots on its chest that look a lot like freckles, plus different feather markings, eye colors, and beak shapes.
At the Santa Barbara Zoo, the penguins wear wingtags – females have them on left wings, males on the right.
The birds also have been given names either by donors or by keepers, like Monty and El Rey.
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The Zoo has a large penguin flock but some birds are distinctive:
- Bingo is the largest and tips the scales at up to 6 kilos (13 pounds)
- Plum is the dominant female and keeps other penguins in their places
- Pinga is super sweet and gentle
- You might know Monty from his social media and children's book fame!
Watch the Zoo’s penguins live on Zoolife!
Conservation Status
Humboldt penguins are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Primary threats in their native range include entanglement in fishing nets; illegal capture for food, bait, and the pet trade; and historic over-harvesting of guano (needed by the birds for nesting) for fertilizer.
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Species Survival Plans
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the 220+ accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in Species Survival Plans (SSP), a cooperatively managed program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). More than 200 different species are managed through SSPs, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity within AZA populations, sustaining these populations, and guarding against extinction.
Wildlife Experiences
Meet the Animals
Have you always wanted to get just a little bit closer to the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo? Well, you can! Take a look at our animal encounters, and choose the best option for you and/or your family.