Humboldt Penguins at Taman Safari Indonesia

Taman Safari Indonesia animal park has added collection of 12 Humboldt penguins (Speheniscus humboldti) to its collection. The penguins arrived Feb. 1 from Tokyo Sea Life Park. Park spokesman Yulius Suprihardo said Tuesday the six males and six females — aged between 10- and 13-years-old — were still in quarantine, but would soon be moved to a special pond for public display.

“The temperature and water salinity in the penguin’s new home simulates the condition of their natural habitat,” he said.

Humboldt penguins can swim at speeds of 14 kilometers per hour. They can remain submerged for two minutes at a time covering a distance of 150 meters. They mainly feed on fish and shrimp.

Humboldt penguins lay their eggs in holes in coastal areas. The incubation period takes 42 days. Their population along the Pacific Coast had dwindled to 12,000 as reported by Theresia Sufa.