What is a Galapagos penguin?
The Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is the only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild. They live exclusively on the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, surviving thanks to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Cromwell Current. With a population of only about 1,200 individuals, they are one of the most endangered penguin species. Standing just 49 to 53 cm tall, they have adapted to tropical conditions by panting, seeking shade, and spreading their flippers to dissipate heat.
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Where this answer comes from
Reference bodies behind our species answers. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- IUCN Red List - Global conservation assessments and extinction-risk categories.
- BirdLife Data Zone - Species accounts, distribution, and population summaries.
- Smithsonian Ocean Portal - Penguin biology, anatomy, and breeding explainers.
- Australian Museum - Little penguin biology and coastal breeding behavior.