How to Find Rockhoppers

Rockhopper penguins are small, aggressive penguins with feathered yellow plumes and distinctive red eyes. There are three subspecies of rockhopper penguins---southern, northern and eastern---that occupy islands and coastal areas throughout the sub-Antarctic region. They typically live in large colonies among the rocky slopes, caves and tussocks that border the water. Observing these little birds is a fascinating and educational adventure, and believe it or not, they're not as hard to find as you might think.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Cruises offer opportunities to view rockhopper penguins.

   Take a cruise. Cruise lines tour regions such as New Zealand and the Falkland Islands so passengers can view areas inhabited by rockhopper penguins. Some cruise lines even offer off-shore excursions that will take you close enough to the rockhoppers to observe them intimately and take photographs.

2. Visit a zoo. Book your next vacation to a city with a zoo that has rockhopper penguins in residence. Zoos in the United States with rockhopper habitats include Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, the Detroit Zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska and the St. Louis Zoo. There are also rockhopper habitats at the ZSL London Zoo in London, England; the Edinburgh Zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland; and the Belfast Zoological Gardens in Belfast, Ireland.

3. Go camping. Plan a camping expedition to the Falkland Islands, Prince Edward Island or on the island of Tristan de Cunha. Of course, this type of adventure is for experienced campers or for campers being led by professionals.

4. Tour an aquarium. Besides sharks and stingrays, some aquariums also house rockhopper penguins. Plan a trip to Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the New England Aquarium in Boston or the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your cruise or plan your camping trip during optimal observation periods. Rockhoppers are more visible during certain times of the year, such as mating season, and are scarce during feeding season. Typically, the best time to observe rockhoppers is October through February. Confer with your travel agent for the cruise line's recommendations.

References

• Regent Cruises
• Zoos and Aquariums
• Camping in the Falklands

Resources

• Penguin World: Rockhopper Penguins
• International Penguin Conservation Work Group: Rockhopper Penguins
• GLOBIO: Rockhopper Penguins