MAGELLANIC PENGUINS RETURN TO THE L.A. ZOO!
The colony of six penguins resides at the Zoo’s Rainforest of the Americas
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CREDIT: © Los Angeles Zoo
LOS ANGELES, CA – Oct. 20, 2026 – The Los Angeles Zoo is announcing the return of Magellanic (maj-uh-LAN-ik) penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) – a species that hasn’t resided in the Zoo since 1984 (42 years). The new colony of six penguins has arrived and can now be seen in their pool at the Rainforest of the Americas exhibit.
“We are thrilled to welcome these Magellanic penguins to the L.A. Zoo,” said Misha Body, Deputy Director of Animals and Experiences. “Adding these dynamic birds to the Rainforest of the Americas will add a lot of activity and excitement to the habitat and will provide our guests with an engaging new way to connect with the diverse wildlife of South America.”
Named for famed explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the first person to sail from the Atlantic to the Pacific around the southernmost tip of South America and the first person to identify these penguins in 1520, Magellanic penguins are native to the South American coasts of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. Magellanic penguins are well-adapted to temperate climates, making the species an excellent choice for Southern California’s Mediterranean climate.
There are six penguins in the new L.A. Zoo colony. Two came from the Aquarium of the Pacific, and four came from SeaWorld San Diego. This medium-sized penguin species is recognizable by the distinct black and white plumage that includes two black bands across a white chest. While they do not live on ice in the wild, they are exceptional swimmers, foraging in the ocean for small fish like anchovies and sardines.
“Bringing Magellanic penguins back to the L.A. Zoo after more than four decades is a monumental milestone for our animal care team,” said Dominick Dorsa II, Director of Animal Care, L.A. Zoo. “Zoo staff worked tirelessly to prepare their habitat to ensure it properly accommodates the unique social dynamics and ecological needs of the species. We are very excited to have them here and to share the experience with our guests.”
Magellanic penguins are categorized as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but wild populations are declining due to threats that include oil pollution, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change, which is creating unstable temperatures in their habitat and decreasing the availability of prey species.
Guests can now see the new colony of Magellanic penguins in their pool habitat at the Rainforest of the Americas.
About the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $27 for adults and $22 for children ages 2 to 12. For more information, visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.
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