Penguin FAQs
1) Where are the penguins?
The Tuxedo Coast penguin exhibit is inside Play Park where the otters used to be located.
2) What kind of penguins will we see at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?
We have Magellanic penguins. They are medium-sized penguins which grow to be 24-30 inches tall and weigh between 5.9-15 pounds.
3) How can the penguins live in Florida? Don’t they live in very cold weather?
Many penguins prefer cold climates. However, some species, including our Magellanic penguins, which are native to the southern coast of South America, are adapted to much warmer climates.
4) Where did the penguins come from?
Our penguins were hatched at the San Francisco Zoo.
5) How old are the penguins?
They range in age from 2 – 8 years old. In the wild, they can live up to 25 years, and 30 years in captivity.
6) What do they eat?
In the wild, they eat cuttlefish, sardines, squid, krill, and other crustaceans. In the Zoo, they will be fed thread herring and capelin, both small species of fish.
7) Will the public get to see the penguin feedings?
We will have public feedings with the times to be determined later.
8) Does it cost extra to see them?
No. The penguins are a permanent addition to our collection, so there is no additional cost to see them.
9) What is the size of the exhibit?
Approximately 2,800 sq. ft.
10) How much water does it hold?
Approximately 12,000 gallons
11) What was the cost of “remodeling” the exhibit for the penguins?
Approximately $165,000
12) What kind of landscaping was done in the exhibit?
Because we are putting a screen enclosure on top of the exhibit some trees needed to be removed from the exhibit, as well as in the upper planters in the back of the exhibit, so as not to interfere with or damage the screen. The upper planters were re-planted with dwarf varieties which will be easier to contain within the enclosure. Plants were chosen that resembled plants in their natural environment.
13) How close is the exhibit to a natural penguin setting?
Their natural habitat is quite open, arid, and rocky. We tried to re-create that to some extent. Trees were left in for shade and perching if we add flighted birds later.
14) What other interesting facts should I know?
We will keep the birds cool in the summer primarily by keeping the water cool. It will not be allowed to get above 60 degrees F. We have also added a misting system and fans to cool down the exhibit and keep air circulating. The fans and the screen enclosure are there to help keep mosquitoes out. Penguins are susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases.
15) Are the penguins endangered or protected?
Magellanic penguins are listed as near-threatened internationally. It is estimated that over 40,000 of these penguins die every year because of commercial fishing, hunting and the oil industry.
