subject: The Odyssey of Ushuaia's Discovery: The Gable Expedition [print this page] Penguins are the most beautiful and graceful animals in the earth. These cute little animals seemed to be dressed in tuxedo suit, and can grow to almost1.5 to 2 feet (50 to 70 centimeters) and usually weigh about 9/11 pounds (4 to 5 kilograms). These penguins are called as Magellanic Penguins and are found in large numbers in Punta Tombo Reserve. Punta Tombo is the most important and the latest Magellan Penguins colony within Patagonia. Punta Tombo is truly a unique and pristine part of Patagonia. Punta Tombo is a stony strip of land penetrating into the sea. This beach full of gravel beaches, sea shell coastal dunes and volcanic red rock.
In fact, as birds, they are superbly designed sea bird, flying underwater with great skill. Their compact bodies have a breastbone that makes an excellent keel and they have massive paddle muscles to propel them at speeds up to 5 miles per hour. Their plumage is white in front and dark at the back with a double black and white collar. Sexism is inexistent between them; both of them defend their nest, incubate the eggs and feed the nestling with fish and squid. Located 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Puerto Madryn and 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Trelew, this protected area spreads over 210 hectares harboring a Magellanic Penguins population of over half a million.
Breeding season for the Magellanic penguins is from late September to early February when adults come to shore to establish nesting sites within loose colonies. Naturally shy and exclusive on land, mated pairs nest in deep burrows (often hiding there when disturbed) where the female lays two eggs. Both the male and female share in the responsibility of caring for the chicks, often taking shifts lasting ten to fifteen days while the other hunts for food. The eggs take five to six weeks to hatch and the chicks will stay in the burrow for another month when they will molt into their adult feathers. After few days old the chicks are ready to head out to sea. The sight of this enormous penguin population is absolutely overwhelming.
The Zoological Society of New York, together with Argentine scientists, is doing research work since 1982. These animals are identified with metal rings or nest marked with plastic tapes. This is the main protected area where the baby penguins learn to swim. Our guide will accompany you along the magnificent land of Magellanic Penguin
The Odyssey of Ushuaia's Discovery: The Gable Expedition
