As of December 2009, nine zoos and aquariums affiliated with Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Aquariums keep macaroni penguins, totaling 27 individuals.

However, the macaroni penguin population in Japan is aging, the number of eggs laid has decreased, and many unfertilized eggs are now being observed. In addition, the small number of penguins kept in each facility makes it difficult for the timing of breeding between males and females to coincide.

Penguins are social birds that live in groups. In the United States, it is recommended to keep them in groups of six or more, but until now, the only place in Japan that kept six or more macaroni penguins was Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium in Miyagi Prefecture. Therefore, we decided to gather macaroni penguins from all over Japan to create a large group and synchronize the breeding timing of males and females (by keeping them together, the behaviors and physiological changes of males and females related to breeding will become more synchronized).

On December 4, 2009, all individuals (2 males and 1 female) from Ueno Zoo, and all individuals (1 male) from Kamogawa Sea World in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, were moved to Shimonoseki Aquarium (Kaikyokan) in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The Kaikyokan Aquarium already kept four macaroni penguins (three males and one female), so with the addition of individuals from Ueno and Kamogawa, the total will be eight, making it the largest group of macaroni penguins in Japan.

The Kaikyokan Aquarium will open a new penguin facility, "Penguin Village," on March 1, 2010. "Penguin Village" is equipped with air conditioning to ensure the health of penguins from the sub-Antarctic region. Breeding success in the new colony is anticipated.

Photo above: Being loaded into a shipping box.
Photo below: Departure from Ueno Zoo

・ Shimonoseki Aquarium (Kaikyokan)
・ Kamogawa Sea World

[Ueno Ueno Zoo Coordinator, Mikio Oga]

(December 4, 2009)