Tropical Penguins

Penguins are a recognizable bird and a symbol of cold temperatures and frigid climates. However, penguins aren't restricted to Antarctica, nor even cold climes. The African (or Black-footed) Penguin is classified as 'vulnerable' on the endangered species list and can be found on the south-western African coast (South Africa and Namibia). In this region, the average summer daytime temperatures range from 20-34^oC, but in the winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Closely related to the African Penguin is the endangered Galapagos Penguin. This equatorial penguin is native to the Galapagos Islands, and is the only penguin species to cross into the Northern Hemisphere. The temperature on the islands ranges from 15-30^oC year-round. Maybe it's time to rethink our 'do not freeze' labels.

1000th post!

For the occasion I wish to share with you interesting tidbits about penguin sexuality:

Penguins are famous for engaging in animal homosexual behaviour. They even sometimes steal eggs from heterosexual couples and rear the youngs. A famous case at the NY zoo, and reports in zoos from all over the world have confirmed that not only are homosexual couples frequent, but the bonding between the gay partnersis strong . Case in point: a zoo in Germany tried importing Swedish chicks and even they couldn't lure the males away!

Penguins are also known to prostitute themselves for a rock. They will let other penguins exchange sexual favors for nest building material.

Penguins sometimes engage in inter-species sex. Perhaps unwillingly. sometimes sexually frustrated seals molest penguins on the beach. I am not even making that stuff up!