Adorable penguin unexpectedly found at equator in Galapagos

When people think of penguins, they think of the south pole. Some may even think of the north pole, although this is incorrect. Thought by some people to be exclusively found on the Antarctic Continent and southern Africa, this is also incorrect. There is one exception; the Galapagos Penguin. Unexpectedly, this penguin thrives in the waters around the equator. Adapted for life in cold climate and in colder waters, The Galapagos Islands do not seem like a habitable environment for this creature. And yet here they are. This little fellow delighted tourists by posing adorably on a rock while they approached closely in a small rubber dinghy to get a closer look.

What makes this environment livable for the Galapagos penguin is the unique combination of ocean currents that create cooler water around the islands. The Humboldt Current and the Cromwell Current bring water from great depths, creating the temperatures at the surface that they prefer.

The Galapagos Penguins have adapted so that their wings function as flippers, propelling them quickly and gracefully through the water. They are smaller than many penguin species, standing 19 inches tall and weighing up to 5.5 pounds. Their white bellies are perfect for making them nearly invisible to predators swimming below. They blend in well with the backlit surface of the water as they swim. It is in the water that they find their food, preying on small fish that school near the surface. They hunt only during the day, returning to land at night for protection.

Ninety per cent of Galapagos Penguins are found on Fernandina Island and Isabella Island, although small populations do exist on the other Galapagos Islands.

Climate disruptions, such as El Nino, and warming ocean water, create an environment where food is less abundant, and the penguins will stop mating as the risk of not surviving increases. They will only breed when water surface temperatures are less than 25 degrees Celsius. This ensures that they will have adequate food. The Galapagos Penguin is an endangered species, living in a fragile and hostile environment. It is the rarest of the penguin species. They are threatened by natural changes in their environment, as well as by pollution, the fishing industry, and oil production. With many natural predators such as sharks, fur seals, sea lions, dogs, and rats, even more pressure is placed on their populations.

Seeing a penguin in the wild was a treat for these tourists. Having it completely relaxed and willing to pose for close up pictures and video left them completely delighted.