Galápagos Penguin

penguin · tropical · endangered · Ecuador

Only penguin north of equator. While all other penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere or far south, Galápagos penguins are the only ones that live north of the equator, making them truly unique in the penguin world.

Cool water survival trick. The Humboldt and Cromwell Currents bring chilly water to the tropical Galápagos Islands, which lets these penguins stay cool enough to survive even though they live near the equator.

Cavern home builders. Instead of digging burrows like other penguins, Galápagos penguins nest in caves and crevices in rocky areas, which protect them from predators and the hot sun.

Lifelong penguin partners. Each Galápagos penguin stays with the same mate and they can have babies any time of year, unlike most penguins that breed only once a year.

Critically endangered birds. Climate change and plastic pollution from tourism and ships have made this penguin species one of the most endangered birds on Earth, with fewer than 2,000 pairs left in the wild.