African+Penguin+2012

=Characteristics= African penguins are black and white and have a black U on their belly. People hunted the penguin so much they declined from at least one million to about 150,000. They weigh 7-11 pounds and are about 2 feet tall. They are also called the black foot penguin.

=Habitat= Their habitat is the Coast of Africa. They don't go north of the coast of Africa. African don't live on Madagascar. =Food= African penguins eat krill and eat and squid every day.

=Predators= African penguin's predators are sea lions, sharks,and blue whales. Oil spills can also hurt the penguins. =Babies= The African penguin breeds in colonies and the same pair return each year.The African penguin lays two eggs. It takes 38-41 days for the eggs to incubate. The dad watches the egg for the first 30 days. Chicks fledge at 60-100 days.When chicks get their feathers they are 70-100 days old.

=Interesting Facts= The African penguin has declined from at least 1 million to 150,000 because they have been hunted so much and their eggs have been sold. =Future for these Animals= African penguins are now a protected species but are still troubled by oil spills off the coast of Africa.