Humbolt Penguin Breeding Programme
Humboldt Penguins are an endangered species that are classed as CITES listed. This means you cannot take them from the wild. As a result of this we started a captive breeding program in 2001 to help sustain numbers in captivity due to their drastic decline in the wild. With only about 12,000 Humboldt’s left in the wild, our breeding colony will help to sustain numbers in captivity and will also help to raise awareness of their plight in the wild.
Our guests enjoy finding out about our breeding programme especially when they find out how successful it’s been.
To learn more about the Humboldt Penguin breeding program at SEA LIFE Weymouth, please email: slcweymouth@merlinentertainments.biz
SEA LIFE Conservation
Due to their decline in the wild and perilous existence, Penguin conservation is one of our biggest commitments to our oceans.
Threats that face Penguins:
- Global Warming affects the Humboldt Penguin because it affects the ocean currents and temperatures that provide their food and habitat.
- El Niño events reduce the upwelling of cold, nutrient-laden waters which serves to reduce the amount of food available to them in the ocean where they live.
- The Humboldt Penguin is also endangered by intense commercial fishing and oil pollution.