Magellanic Penguin

Humboldt Penguin

Adventure World (Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture) has welcomed Magellanic penguins and Humboldt penguins to its family. They are currently undergoing quarantine in a non-public area and are scheduled to be open to the public from July 18, 2026 (Sat). Magellanic penguins inhabit the coasts of Argentina and Chile in South America and are representative penguins of the Patagonia region, known for its vast seas and grasslands. Humboldt penguins live by the "Humboldt Current," a cold current flowing along the coasts of Peru and Chile, and are adapted to rocky coastlines and dry environments. Both species inhabit the temperate zones of the Southern Hemisphere. While they look similar to the Cape penguins living in our park, they have adapted to different ocean currents, climates, and coastal environments. By comparing the three species, you can enjoy their differences and similarities while contemplating the environmental adaptation and diversity of living organisms. With the addition of new members, Adventure World becomes the only park where you can encounter 10 types of penguins, making it the facility with the largest number of species and individuals bred in captivity worldwide (according to our own research). As an "edutainment" park where visitors can feel the strength of life, the wonder of existence, and beauty by embracing the individuality of each penguin, we will continue to move forward.

[Public Opening of Two Types of Penguins]

Magellanic Penguin

Humboldt Penguin

Opening Date

July 18, 2026

July 18, 2026

Time

All Day

All Day

Opening Location

Family Plaza

Center Dome

[About the Newly Arriving Magellanic Penguins]

Origin: Nagaoka City Teradomari Aquarium

Number of individuals: 4 (males)

[About the Newly Arriving Humboldt Penguins]

Origin: Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

Number of individuals: 6 (3 males, 3 females)

From the Animal Edutainer

Tomohiro Kawaguchi, Responsible for Temperate Penguins

Background: Since my student days, I've been obsessed with penguins, chasing them around. I have 6 years of experience with polar penguins and 4 years with temperate penguins.

Special Skill: Surprisingly good at photography. Some of my photos are displayed in the park, including those for Epos Card.

"When the breeding of Little Blue Penguins, the first in the Kansai region, began at Adventure World in 2015, I was not yet a zookeeper but was thrilled as a penguin fan. I will now be in charge of the Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, whose breeding is newly starting. Although I have been in charge of polar and temperate penguins living in the park, I am honestly a little anxious. However, the penguins we are welcoming this time are individuals who have been cherished and loved by staff and guests at their respective facilities. I want to inherit that sentiment and ensure they become beings loved by many people at Adventure World as well. Of course, my expectations are as high as my anxieties. As I face them every day, I want to discover the unique charms of Magellanic and Humboldt penguins and share that affection with everyone."

[About Magellanic Penguins]

Classification: Spheniformes, Spheniscidae

Scientific Name: Spheniscus magellanicus

English Name: Magellanic Penguin

IUCN Red List Conservation Status: Near Threatened (NT) (*)

Habitat: Coasts of Argentina and Chile, South America

Diet: At Adventure World, they are fed horse mackerel.

Lifespan: 10-20 years in the wild, 25-30 years in captivity

Body Length: Approximately 65 cm - 75 cm

Body Weight: Approximately 4 kg - 5 kg

Characteristics: They have two black bands on their chest, and white feathers that surround their face from above both eyes to their neck. The patterns on their face and chest differ for each individual. The name comes from the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who discovered the strait connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

(*) NT (Near Threatened): Species with a low risk of extinction at present, but which may move into the "threatened" category if the circumstances of its survival change.

[About Humboldt Penguins]

Classification: Spheniformes, Spheniscidae

Scientific Name: Spheniscus humboldti

English Name: Humboldt Penguin

IUCN Red List Conservation Status: Vulnerable (VU) (*)

Habitat: Coasts of Peru and Chile, South America

Diet: At Adventure World, they are fed horse mackerel.

Lifespan: Approximately 20 years in the wild, 25-30 years in captivity

Body Length: Approximately 55 cm - 70 cm

Body Weight: Approximately 3 kg - 5 kg

Characteristics: Unlike Magellanic and Cape penguins, they have a distinctive large pink area at the base of their beak. They are also a species that can be seen in many zoos and aquariums in Japan. Adventure World has a history of breeding them since its opening in 1978 and resumed breeding in 2026.

(*) VU (Vulnerable): Species at risk of extinction, with a high probability of extinction in the wild.

[Penguins Living at Adventure World]

Observing penguins that have evolved in diverse environments, such as Emperor penguins that breed in sub-zero temperatures, King penguins and Gentoo penguins that inhabit sub-Antarctic regions, and temperate penguins living along the coasts of South Africa and South America, all at once, is a rare opportunity globally. Furthermore, many penguins are affected by climate change, changes in marine environments, and the decline of fishery resources, and are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. At Adventure World, we have conveyed the inherent charm and ecology of penguins through creating breeding environments suitable for each species and through our breeding initiatives. Through encounters with 10 types of unique penguins, we aim to deepen interest in the importance of biodiversity and the conservation of marine environments, providing an opportunity to think about the future of our planet.

[Project to Think About the Future of the Earth "38°C MIRACLE Project"] Protecting the penguin world through naming. Seeking names for 19 Emperor penguins!

In April 2026, Emperor penguins were designated as an endangered species.

Adventure World, which has the leading breeding record in Japan, is launching the "38°C MIRACLE Project" to think about the future of the Earth from their lives. As the first step of this project, starting June 1, 2026 (Mon), we will begin accepting name suggestions for all 19 Emperor penguins living in the park. By overlaying the "names" requested by our guests onto the "identification numbers" that staff have used to distinguish each individual's personality, a new naming action will begin to spread the preciousness of life to the world.

For details on how to apply, please check the special website.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 動物