Discover The Galapagos Penguins

Not surprisingly, the term “Galapagos fauna” may conjure a slew of archetypal images: gargantuan tortoises, exotic sea creatures and of course, Darwin’s beloved finches. But what about the island’s more elusive populations like, say, the Galapagos penguins? What might appear a paradox is, in fact, a veritable reality. Despite the archipelago’s location atop the equator, in the Northern Hemisphere, there, in its tropical perimeters, exists a myriad of Galapagos penguins.

The Galapagos penguins are in fact the only penguins in the northern hemisphere, as this species traditionally inhabits cooler regions of the southern hemisphere. Their presence on the islands is attributed to the South American Humboldt penguin, from which the endemic species apparently evolved. According to the Charles Darwin Research Station, penguins have adapted to the Galapagos’ tropical land temperature, employing sundry tactics to prevent their frames from overheating. They shade their feet, ventilate the hollows under their wings, and swim in the cool waters of the Cromwell Current.

The Cromwell Current plays an integral role in the survival of the Galapagos penguins, as it provides the region’s most frigid current—an opportune place for penguins to dwell. Resting approximately 100 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface, this submarine current offers penguins a gentle enclave in which to swim and catch fish throughout the day. When evening approaches and the heat is tempered by nightfall, Galapagos penguins return to the land to sleep and nest.

Unfortunately, these adorable 4-5 pound, 53-cm creatures have recently been listed as endangered on The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The IUCN, which has been evaluating the conservation status of species for over 40 years, first designated the species as endangered in 2000. Devastated by El Nino storms as well illegal fishing, oil spills, and several other threats, it is anticipated by IUCN that population trends may continue to decrease.

Despite these challenges, the Galapagos penguins remain a fascinating anomaly. Their presence along the equator continues to amuse and bemuse scientists and tourists alike.

By: Enid Glasgow
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Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys luxury Galapagos cruises with Big Five luxury travel