Four macaroni penguins welcomed by Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

DRAPER, Utah — Four macaroni penguins have joined the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s research station.

According to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, the penguins begam cohabitating with 22 existing gentoo penguins on April 7. 

“Integrating macaroni penguin[s] into our Penguin Research Station offers our guests an exceptional opportunity to experience these remarkable birds up close and explore the intricacies of penguin ecology—from feeding strategies to habitat adaptations,” Dr. Ari Fustukijan, vice president of zoological operations at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said.

Members of the public have been invited to suggest names for the birds — two are female and two are male. 

 

According to a Facebook post from the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, those who submit name ideas will be automatically entered to win four Penguin Encounter exhibit tickets and four general admission tickets. 

Those who vote for names throughout the contest will receive extra entries — submissions close on April 9 at midnight. 

More about the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s new residents

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, macaroni penguins live in rocky areas near the ocean. Their habitats include the Subantarctic and Antarctic peninsulas and islands in the southern Atlantic and Indian oceans. 

They eat krill, small fish, squid, and crustaceans. In the wild, they often live between 8 and 15 years. 

According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, macaroni penguins can dive as deep as 375 feet when they search for food. Although, they usually remain between 65 and 100 ft. deep. 

On average, dives last two minutes each. If they eat at night, they stay closer to the water’s surface. 

Their predators include seals and killer whales, as well as predatory birds, like skuas, giant petrels, snowy sheathbills, and gulls. 

Black and white feathers provide camouflage and sun protection. When they swim, penguins porpoise or break through the water’s surface while swimming. 

On land, they defend themselves with sound and by slapping their predators. 

Macaroni penguins begin to colonize in October. Their breeding colonies are known to be among the largest and densest of penguin species. After they reach maturity, they are serially monogamous and usually return to the same mating partners. 

Female penguins typically lay eggs in Nov. Both parents work to keep the egg warm until their eggs hatch 33-37 days later. 

Why are they called macaroni penguins? 

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium explained the new penguins are identifiable by the bright yellow feathers on their head. In contrast, the aquarium’s existing gentoo penguins lack feathered crests. 

The species’ name has nothing to do with elbow-shaped pasta. Instead, it’s a nod to historical fashion. 

“Their name originates from an 18th-century term used to describe an extravagant style—a nod to the original meaning behind their name,” the aquarium wrote in a press release. 

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition said they received their name from British sailors. They were enamored with their long, yellow crests, which reminded them of a fashion trend. 

Macaroni fashion was an extravagant style adopted by some 18th-century European men. It was comprised of bold, eye-catching colors and flamboyant clothing, accessories, and hairstyles. 

According to Fustukijan, incorporating the penguins into the aquarium’s habitat “encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of life and the importance of caring for our world.” 

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