Along the sunny shores of southern Africa, iconic black and white birds spend their days swimming, hunting, and diving for fish. With no snow or ice in sight, African penguins are at home in this temperate coastal ecosystem. They’re also a keystone species, helping maintain a delicate and necessary balance so that all who share these waters can thrive.

Unfortunately, African penguins are endangered. Each bird is vital to the global population, including the colony we care for at the San Diego Zoo. Through their daily care, our teams of experts are expanding understanding of the species, and working with partners to share that knowledge as they collaborate to protect African penguins.

Your support provides innovative care and conservation for these seafaring birds through our Oceans Conservation Hub. January 20 is Penguin Awareness Day—celebrate by diving into what it’s like to care for these small but mighty birds!

Looks can be deceiving. Troop leader Winston is a powerful 430-pound figure with a gentle nature. The stoic but easygoing silverback wins the hearts of gorillas and people alike at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Winston’s unique heart is also helping other endangered great apes by increasing understanding of heart disease in various populations. Explore Winston’s world and how he’s changing it.

Scurrying 18 feet under the deserts and dry savannas of eastern Africa is a surprising species. These small animals create elaborate tunnel systems deep under the ground—making it tricky for conservationists to observe and understand them. Burrow in to learn more about some unusual subterranean mammals and how we care for a colony at the San Diego Zoo.

Living deep in lush cloud forests and across grassy peaks, South America’s only bear is native to the steep and jagged Andes mountains. While our teams in the field work to save and protect this elusive species through our Amazonia Conservation Hub, the Andean bears we care for at the San Diego Zoo offer a window into their world. Climb on up to learn more about how Alba, Turbo, and their family are helping their species.

What do cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, and California condors have in common? It’s not their looks! Each has helped pioneer groundbreaking stem cell therapy that’s changing the future for wildlife. Discover regenerative medicine as it’s revolutionizing our approach to finding solutions and treatments in wildlife health and care.