Many zoos and aquariums keep several different species together in one enclosure. The resulting confusion can be great fun. Even though there are usually clear signs identifying the species most visitors think they know best. In fact penguin chicks are easily distinguished by their 'fluffy' down. The mangy looking penguins are simply moulting.
All penguins have to grow a fresh set of feathers each year.
During the few weeks this takes they look rather tatty as the old feathers fall out. Van spends most of his days at Boulders Beach, near Cape Town, looking after the African Penguins that have colonised the area. Van has been credited with ensuring the success of this colony by protecting the penguins from over enthusiastic tourists, etc. A couple of years ago, the President of the World Wildlife Fund visited the beach to see the penguins and was introduced to Van. Much to Van's astonishment, he proceeded to tell Van about penguins.