A new pair of African penguins at the California Academy of Sciences has already bonded, giving caretakers hope that the endangered birds may successfully mate and raise chicks. According to Care2.com, the female penguin - Sinclair - was moved to the Academy only recently, after failing to bond with any males at her former home at the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. She brings the Academy's total to 16 penguins, with more on the way from additional transfers.While Sinclair and her partner, Agulhas, demonstrated courtship behavior that included bowing and touching, are they really "in love?" The idea of bird emotions is still debatable, but many wildlife officials, especially those who interact intimately with birds over long periods of time, do believe birds feel emotions, though perhaps not in the same way or to the same degree as humans.
Have you seen examples of bird emotions? Share your experiences in the comments!
African Penguins
Photo © Rick's Images
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