To mark this occasion, the environmental organization calls for increased awareness and conservation efforts for the Humboldt penguin, whose largest global population—80% of the species—resides in Chile.
Five Reasons to Protect the Humboldt Penguin
March 25, 2025 – April 25 marks World Penguin Day, established by the Global Penguin Society. This date holds special significance for Chile, home to the world’s largest colony of Humboldt penguins. Approximately 80% of the global population inhabits the central Chilean coast, particularly within the Humboldt National Reserve, located between the Atacama and Coquimbo regions.
Recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white plumage, Humboldt penguins stand about 70 centimeters tall and weigh around 4 kilograms. They are medium-sized compared to other species—smaller than the emperor penguin, which can exceed one meter in height, but larger than the 30-centimeter average of the little blue penguin.
On this day, Greenpeace draws attention to the species’ precarious situation. “Protecting the Humboldt penguin demands increased commitment from governments, private sectors, and civil society to safeguard their habitat and ensure the conditions essential for their survival,” said Roxana Núñez, Greenpeace spokesperson.
Key Facts About the Humboldt Penguin
- Vulnerable Conservation Status: Classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Humboldt penguin population consists of roughly 23,800 mature individuals, 80% of which are concentrated along Chile’s central coast. Colonies on islands such as Chañaral, Choros, and Pan de Azúcar are critical to the species’ survival.
- Limited Reproduction: Humboldt penguins breed once per year, typically laying one or two eggs if conditions are favorable. Nesting sites are active year-round. Reproductive success is highest in protected nests, where incubation lasts 40 to 42 days. Scientific data shows a steep decline in breeding pairs—from 7,970 in 2003 to just 1,178 in 2021—representing an 85.2% reduction.
- Rich Marine Habitat: The Humboldt Archipelago, often called the “Chilean Galápagos,” consists of eight islands and islets hosting over 560 marine species. This ecosystem is vital for the penguins’ feeding, nesting, and survival, supporting the largest global colony.
- Sensitive to Human Disturbance: Humboldt penguins are shy and abandon their nests when humans approach, increasing their heart rates. According to Chile’s National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca), human activity—especially fishing near the archipelago—has diminished suitable nesting areas. This threat could worsen with potential industrial expansion.
- Unique Swimmers Among Birds: Unlike most birds, Humboldt penguins cannot fly but are excellent swimmers. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies and modified wings function as powerful flippers, while their tails and feet act as rudders. During chick-rearing, adults forage within 20 to 35 kilometers of the colony, while incubating birds can travel up to 72 kilometers offshore.
Núñez emphasized the urgency of protecting these penguins from new threats. “The proposed Dominga mega mining-port project near their nesting islets would seriously jeopardize reproduction by increasing disturbances in critical habitats. The port’s location, only 30 kilometers from the reserve, risks exposing penguins to heavy maritime traffic, disrupting their feeding and survival.”
She criticized the mitigation measures proposed by Andes Iron, the company behind the project. “They suggest ‘compensating’ by clearing rats from a nearby islet, Pájaros 1, to relocate nests from the impacted Totoralillo Norte islet. However, this falls short of basic conservation standards and does not guarantee real biodiversity benefits or population recovery,” Núñez said.
Greenpeace’s call on Penguin Day urges stronger protection and responsible development policies to ensure the future of Chile’s iconic Humboldt penguin.
