Rare Penguin Species Debuts At Central Park Zoo

CENTRAL PARK, NY — A rare species of penguin was introduced to the Central Park Zoo Thursday, joining the four other species of penguins currently housed at the zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced.

Six "macaroni penguins" — three male and three female — can now bee seen in the Central Park Zoo's Polar Circle. The penguins are "not common" in North American zoos, according to the WCS. Only seven accredit facilities currently house the macaroni penguin.

The macaroni penguin — recognizable for its large bill and bright yellow crest of feathers — joins the king, gentoo, chinstrap and rockhopper penguins already living at the Central Park Zoo. The ability to study multiple types of penguins can help conservationists study the effects of climate change on different penguin species.

"Many species of penguins are susceptible to the effects of climate change," Craig Piper, WCS director of city zoos and Central Park Zoo director, said in a statement. "Learning about these birds and the harsh environment they thrive in is an important step in fostering the next generation of conservation-minded citizens."

Macaroni penguins are normally found living in the wild on the southern tip of South American, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Check out some pictures of the Central Park Zoo's new residents below:

All photos courtesy Julie Larsen Maher © The Wildlife Conservation Society