African blackfooted penguins Kohl and Zelda are celebrating their 22nd Valentine's Day weekend together at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. African blackfooted penguins (which have a black face mask and black spots and “horseshoe” on their belly) are native to Southern Africa and widely known as the "jackass" penguin for their donkey-like bray.
"While most species of penguins mate for life, there is still a divorce rate," said Senior Aviculturist Tom Dyer. "We've seen our share of penguin heartbreak, infidelity and sometimes joyful reunion here in our colony. Kohl and Zelda, however, are spending their 22nd Valentine's Day together. They are Audubon's sweethearts."
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas has hatched 54 penguins since opening in 1990. Penguin populations in the wild face enormous challenges, primarily because their food supply is overfished. This sobering fact underscores the importance of breeding efforts at Audubon and elsewhere.
Penguin enthusiasts across the country can spend Valentine's Day with Kohl and Zelda by viewing the Audubon Aquarium colony on Animal Planet L!VE’s PENGUIN CAM, where they can tune-in for live feedings twice a day at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. CST and join the weekly penguin chats on Thursdays at 3 p.m. CST.
Animal Planet L!VE has worked with the Aquarium for more than two years, providing unparalleled access to the animal kingdom through live cameras and with behind-the-scenes facts about the endangered species and the Aquarium’s preservation efforts. To learn more about Animal Planet L!VE, please visit www.apl.tv.
