on the Jackass or Black-footed Penguin. 143


of the wing are flattened and the joints are stiff, so that the entire

appendage acts from the shoulder as an inflexible paddle.


It is of interest to note that the extinct Great Auk exhibited

a development parallel to that of the Penguin, to which it was not

closely related. Its flightless condition was not due to any unusual

structural developments as in the antipodean birds, but simply to the

very diminutive size of the wing, which was perfectly formed.


Living Penguins are always difficult to obtain, and hitherto

we have not been able to give our occasional specimens thoroughly

adequate quarters, with salt water. Early this spring, however, a

single Black-footed Penguin arrived at the Zoological Park. He was

placed in the diving birds’ tank in the Aquatic Bird House for a

time, and then, as spring appeared, he was quartered with the

Walrus as a companion, where he prospered. In July five more

specimens were obtained, and were introduced at once to the single

occupant of the pool. After a satisfying bath in the artificial salt

water provided, they at once made themselves at home, and now

form an attractive exhibit. The potential energy represented by the

extensive layer of fat stored beneath their skins should enable them

to withstand any degree of cold to which they are likely to be

subjected at this latitude.


Intellectually, Penguins are not the most advanced of birds.

Once they have become accustomed to confinement in dry quarters

and to receiving food from the hand of their keeper, it is exceedingly

difficult to persuade them to avail themselves of the privileges of the

bath, and to secure their food in a normal manner. Thus, at first,

our little flock suffered somewhat from the heat, refusing to enter

the cooling water unless compelled to do so, neither could they

be persuaded to feed on the killi-fishes with which the pool was

supplied. After a short period of training, however, they reverted

to more normal habits, and now pursue the fishes with remarkable

agility. Also, they have deigned to accept the hospitality of a

tarpaulin stretched over the rocks in a corner of their enclosure,

affording them much-needed protection from the heat of mid-day.



