A close relative of Chinstrap Penguin, Gentoo Penguin is easily recognizable by the white “bonnet” on his head. Another name for Gentoo Penguin is “Johnny”, because of this white “cockade” on his head and his red bill. The most timid of the Brush-tailed Penguins (Pygoscelis), Gentoo Penguin will run away rather than fight.
Unlike many other Penguins, Gentoo Penguin lives in small groups, because He is not particularly sociable. If a colony grows beyond a few hundred breeding pairs, Gentoo Penguin and his Mate leave to form another small colony. The colonies may split apart, but Gentoo Penguin remains loyal to his Mate, through the years They are together.
Although Gentoo Penguin is one of the four Penguins that live on Antarctica, He can be found in other places too. He is more flexible than other Penguins in where He lives. Since He prefers clean nesting areas, Gentoo Penguin moves his colony a few meters every year. Ever resourceful, He makes his nest from stones, sticks, or what materials can be found at hand.
Tolerant, Gentoo Penguin shares his nesting areas with Adelie Penguins and Chinstrap Penguins. In the Falklands, He tolerates grazing Sheep who wander about his colony. On the Antarctic Peninsula, Gentoo Penguin and Blue-eyed Shaa (Sea Bird) share the limited living space together.
When the Parents leave for food, their Babies join in crèches. Auntie Gentoo Penguin protects the crèche from predatory Skuas (Sea Birds). At feeding times, Gentoo Penguin Parents lead their Chicks to the beach and encourage Them to find their way back to their nest. Gentoo Penguins teach their Chicks to be independent as soon as possible.
Gentoo Penguin teaches tolerance and sharing. Although quite shy, He tolerates other Sea Birds and Penguins where He lives. He shares his space with a minimum of fuss. However, do not be so timid like Gentoo Penguin that you do not stand your ground when need be.
Gentoo Penguin’s Teaching Includes:
“Gentoos turn tail, Adelies stand their ground, but Chinstraps charge.” --- Robert Cushman Murphy, naturalist.
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Va. Carper
March 4, 2008