The African penguins are jumping out of the water is a way in which they gain speed. They continuously leap in and out of the water. The blue, teal, and aquamarine hues of the ocean all blend so beautifully together. The group of African penguins is coming back from feeding during the day a sea. When on land, they will walk to their nests to feed the chicks and to take over the ‘babysitting.’
The reason African penguins can jump out of the water like this is that they can envelop their bodies in a coat of air bubbles. That helps them to fly fast out of the water. They cannot use their wings to flap and fly like other bird species.
Therefore, they have found a way to adapt to nature and overcome this ‘flaw.’ As they leap from the water’s surface, they can spin and create a torpedo-like movement. Scientists are using the same technique when designing torpedoes and boats. Still, they only just discovered that penguins have the same idea!
African penguins can swim at speeds of 24 km / 15 mi an hour. However, the average tempo of about 7 km / 4.3 mi an hour. They swim by using their wings as flippers and their feet as rudders. With their incredible streamline body, they can achieve maximum speed, when diving.
The African penguin, Spheniscus demersus, is endangered on the IUCN red list.
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Steven –
Fly high 😉 Penguins always put a smile on my face. 😀
Anette Mossbacher –
😀 They are so cute. Thanks a lot.
Johan Peijnenburg –
This one makes me smile 😀
Anette Mossbacher –
😀 They made me all the time laughing as well while photographing them in the ocean or on land. They are so fast in the water, compared to how slowly they waddle on land! For sure the sea is their element.
Cheers Anette