The macaroni penguin is a large species, found in the Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Peninsula. Their name comes from the distinctive yellow feathered crest on the penguins’ heads that apparently resemble the feathers that featured on hats worn by men in the 18th century; referred to as macaroni’s (just like in the classic nursery rhyme ‘Yankee Doodle’).
Conservation
The Macaroni penguin is classed as vulnerable. Common threats to their existence include commercial fishing, marine pollution and predators.
Macaroni penguin questions and answers
What do they eat?
Mainly krill, small fish and squid.
What’s their preferred habitat?
Mountains and snow covered rocky areas near the coast.
How long can they live for?
Up to 20 years.
How big can they grow?
Up to 70cm in length.
How fast can they swim?
Between 15kph and 24kph.
Can you adopt a penguin?
Yes! You can adopt a penguin with Folly Farm today!
Feed a penguin
Get amongst our penguins and chat to the keepers that work with them with this p-p-perfect gift
We're proud to be members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Our membership means we share knowledge with leading zoos across the UK and Europe, and we learn from them too.
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