Penguins have an uncanny way of stealing our hearts without even trying. The rockhopper penguins at the Two Oceans Aquarium are no exception; in fact, they might be the most endearing of them all. But beyond their adorable appearance, these penguins have fascinating stories to tell.
Image: Supplied
What makes rockhoppers unique?
Image: Supplied
Rockhopper penguins, or “rockies,” as their carers at the Two Oceans Aquarium affectionately call them, are the smallest of the crested penguin species. Like most penguins, they sport the classic black-and-white tuxedo look, but a few striking details set them apart. Their vivid red eyes, bright orange beaks, flamboyant yellow “eyebrows”, and pink webbed feet make them instantly recognisable.
Rockhoppers live on remote, rocky coasts in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Unlike many of their penguin cousins, they don’t slide on their bellies across smooth ice or snow. Instead, they’ve developed an extraordinary ability to hop and leap across uneven terrain, hence the name “rockhopper.”
A noisy family life
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When rockhopper penguins lay eggs, the parents devotedly share incubation duties – there is always someone keeping the clutch warm. Once the chick hatches, they take on a similar rotation by taking turns to guard their precious chick while the other parent hunts and returns with food. Here at the Two Oceans Aquarium, proud parents Roxy and Grommet have lovingly raised four chicks: Clax, Miss Harold Custard, Chippy-Goodwill, and Codi!
Although their colonies are smaller than those of other penguin species, rockhoppers certainly make up for it in volume. They communicate not only by calling but also through elaborate displays of head shaking, bowing, flipper waving, and even preening rituals. At the Two Oceans Aquarium, visitors can see this behaviour for themselves on the Northern Rockhopper Penguin Beach.
Why are they here?
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You may be wondering: If rockhopper penguins live thousands of kilometres south of South Africa, how did they end up in Cape Town?
The rockhoppers at the Two Oceans Aquarium were all found stranded on southern Cape beaches. One theory suggests that they were caught by fishermen aboard large vessels and kept as pets, food, or potential trade. Once those ships entered South African waters, possession of the birds became illegal. To avoid fines, some fishermen discarded the penguins overboard, where they eventually washed up on local beaches. In fact, one of the oldest rockhopper penguins at the Two Oceans Aquarium, Teddy, was rescued in 1999 with his feet wired together.
Thankfully, Teddy and the other stranded seabirds were rescued and rehabilitated by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) before finding a permanent home at the Aquarium. Unfortunately, they cannot be released back into the wild due to the risk of introducing diseases to the indigenous penguin populations. Thanks to SANCCOB’s care and the Aquarium’s colony, these resilient seabirds now thrive in safety.
Meet them yourself!
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Want to come face-to-face with the rockhoppers at the Two Oceans Aquarium? The Penguin Experience is a fun, interactive encounter for up to two people. Guided by the Penguin Keepers, you’ll meet these charismatic characters, hear their individual stories, and discover how the Aquarium cares for them.
The Penguin Experience runs from Tuesday to Sunday at 08h30 and is open to adults and children aged 8 and older. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with some of the most charming seabirds on the planet.
Whether you’re watching them bicker over nesting space, marvelling at their daring hops, or meeting them up close during a Penguin Experience, the rockhoppers at the Two Oceans Aquarium remind us just how resilient and enchanting our marine wildlife can be. Each bird has a story, and together they shine a spotlight on the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
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