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Abstract <p>The Humboldt penguin is among the most popular penguin species exhibited in zoos and aquariums worldwide. Studying its reproductive characteristics in the wild is challenging due to both its biological traits and protected conservation status. Therefore, conducting such studies on captive populations is the most practical approach. Over 5 years, we studied the reproductive characteristics of a colony of this species at the Primorsky Aquarium using direct visual observations and CCTV recordings. The sex of the birds was determined using a simple DNA test based on amplification of the CHD1 gene. Between 2020 and 2024, the Humboldt penguin flock grew from 14 to 59 individuals and consisted of 31 males and 28 females. Pair formation was first observed when the colony reached 14 individuals with an equal sex ratio. Young pairs in their first reproductive year hatched an average of one chick, whereas experienced pairs (those breeding for more than 1 year) produced two to three chicks. Based on these results, recommendations were developed to enhance the breeding success of Humboldt penguins in captivity.</p>

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Captive Breeding of Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti, Meyen 1834): Reproductive Features and Practical Recommendations

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月1日

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  • M. A. Fomenko,
  • T. Yu. Magarlamov

摘要

Abstract

The Humboldt penguin is among the most popular penguin species exhibited in zoos and aquariums worldwide. Studying its reproductive characteristics in the wild is challenging due to both its biological traits and protected conservation status. Therefore, conducting such studies on captive populations is the most practical approach. Over 5 years, we studied the reproductive characteristics of a colony of this species at the Primorsky Aquarium using direct visual observations and CCTV recordings. The sex of the birds was determined using a simple DNA test based on amplification of the CHD1 gene. Between 2020 and 2024, the Humboldt penguin flock grew from 14 to 59 individuals and consisted of 31 males and 28 females. Pair formation was first observed when the colony reached 14 individuals with an equal sex ratio. Young pairs in their first reproductive year hatched an average of one chick, whereas experienced pairs (those breeding for more than 1 year) produced two to three chicks. Based on these results, recommendations were developed to enhance the breeding success of Humboldt penguins in captivity.