Size: Up to 13 inches
Habitat/Range: Coastlines and inshore waters of southern Australia and New Zealand
On exhibit at Little Blue Beach in Zone A! Little blue penguins are the smallest species of penguin in the world, growing an average of 13 inches in height and weighing in at just 3 pounds on average. Their known for their striking slate-blue plumage, and their small stature has given them the nickname "fairy penguins." Little blues can be found along the coastlines and inshore waters of southern Australia and New Zealand. A diurnal species, they spend the largest part of their day swimming and foraging at sea. They also preen their feathers to keep them waterproof by rubbing a tiny drop of oil onto every feather via a special gland above their tails.