The African penguin, also known as the jackass penguin due to its distinctive braying call, is a species native to the southwestern coast of Africa. These medium-sized penguins typically stand about 24 inches tall and weigh between 5 to 11 pounds. They have a black and white coloration, with a unique pattern of spots on their chest that helps identify individuals. African penguins primarily inhabit coastal areas and prefer rocky shorelines for nesting. They feed mainly on small fish and squid, diving to depths of up to 130 feet in search of food. Unfortunately, this species is currently classified as endangered due to habitat loss, oil spills, and overfishing.