Corpus Christi School Gets a Special Visit from Dunlop the Penguin

Students at received a visit from a friend from south of the equator on Tuesday morning.

Dunlop, a male South African penguin, strutted his stuff in the school’s auditorium much to the delight of second and third graders, courtesy of Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach.

Allison Wilke, director of educational programs for the aquarium, discussed various types of penguins, their habitats, and fielded questions from the curious youngsters.

Apparently Dunlop, who celebrated his 18^th birthday on February 4, has a very busy social schedule.

Robin Clem, one of the second grade teachers, said she tried last school year to arrange an appearance but had to wait until now.

“The penguins are very popular so we couldn’t get him, so I called back in July to get a date,” said Clem, noting that the penguins are "booked" until June this year.

Dunlop owns the distinction of being the first South African penguin to be hatched at Jenkinson’s. He stands about 18 inches high and weighs about nine pounds. He also has a “wife” named Kringle (no children yet) and is one of 15 of this species at the aquarium.

Here are a few South African penguin facts:

• Unlike birds which have hollow bones, penguins have solid bones which help them dive deeper when swimming and looking for their favorite food—fish. They can swim up to 25 miles per hour.
• Like all penguins, South Africans do not fly. They have two layers of feathers, one for warmth and one to keep them dry.
• South African penguins do not like the cold or ice. They live on rocky beaches and prefer the temperature to be in the 68-70 degree range. They live in a climate controlled environment at Jenkinson’s.
• It takes about three months from the time they hatch to reach adulthood.
• The South African penguin was added to the endangered species list in May 2010. Their population decreases each year by almost four percent.
• Like all birds, they sleep and build their homes in nests. Their eggs are white and are slightly bigger than extra large chicken eggs.