Galapagos Penguin

The Galápagos Islands in Ecuador are home to the only population of the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus). The only penguin found north of the equator is this one. Most inhabit Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island. Even though it is located in a tropical latitude, it may thrive because of the chilly waters of the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents. One of the species of banded penguins, the other species of which are primarily found along the shores of Africa and South America's major landmass, is the Galápagos penguin. One of the tiniest penguin species in existence. The heated climate in which the Galápagos penguins live has led to the development of cooling strategies.

They have white bellies and a stripe that runs from their eyes down to their neck and chin. Their back, flippers, and head feathers are all black. Each penguin only has one partner and breeds continuously. As a defense against predators and the tough environment, their nests are generally in caves and fissures. The average lifespan of a Galápagos penguin is 15 to 20 years, although because of predation, its longevity may be drastically shortened in the wild.