Even the most resilient creatures can't handle this Long Island chill! You might picture penguins waddling happily on icy landscapes, but the reality for some species is quite different, especially when the mercury plummets like it has been on Long Island.
Right now, the 19 penguins at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead are seeking refuge from the biting cold. With daytime highs struggling to get above freezing and nighttime temperatures dipping into the single digits, these feathered friends are enjoying the warmth of a climate-controlled indoor space. This cozy retreat is set to continue until at least Monday, when the forecast might finally offer some relief.
But here's where it gets surprising: not all penguins are built for extreme cold. Joe Yaiullo, the aquarium's curator and co-founder, explained that our common image of penguins in the Antarctic doesn't apply to all species. "I grew up as a kid, and I’m sure a lot of us have grown up, with images of penguins on ice in the Antarctic and things like that, but there are a number of penguin species that never see ice in their lifetime in the wild," Yaiullo shared.
The aquarium is home to the endangered African black-footed penguin, a species native to the warmer climes of southern Africa. Maggie Seiler, the assistant curator of penguins and reptiles, noted that their natural habitat in South Africa typically experiences temperatures in the low 50s, maybe mid-40s at their coldest. So, when the thermometer dips below 30 degrees, especially with harsh winds and rain, the aquarium staff prioritize bringing them inside.
"When it is too cold for them, they can experience the same things that we see," Yaiullo elaborated. "They can get frostbite. They are standing on their feet the whole time, so their feet are in contact with the cold ground — which is not healthy for them. They can see respiratory concerns."
And this is the part most people miss: while you can't see them frolicking in the snow, visitors can still catch a glimpse of these adorable birds through a viewing window into their indoor habitat. The staff also make sure the penguins stay active and engaged with playtime, as Seiler mentioned.
It's worth noting that these penguins come indoors every night, year-round, for safety. "It’s part of their normal routine. Just another day," Yaiullo added.
But the cold weather isn't just affecting the penguins. Candy Paparo, the aquarium's director of animal training, mentioned that Fisher, the fishing cat, also seeks indoor warmth during these frigid spells. This species, native to Southeast Asia, is accustomed to much warmer climates and, having come from Texas, is particularly sensitive to the cold.
While some animals, like the North American river otter, are better equipped to handle the chill, they too will be moved to indoor enclosures if the weather becomes excessively harsh.
Now, what do you think? Is it surprising to learn that some penguins actually struggle in the cold? Does this change your perception of these incredible animals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
