While it may seem strange, this is exactly where you find the Galapagos penguin, third smallest of the world's 18 penguin species. This penguin lives on the equatorial shores of Isabela and Fernandina Islands, where upwellings of cool, nutrient-rich waters provide an abundant supply of small fish. The Galapagos penguin moves around the rocky coastal terrain by using both its feet and flippers. When on smoother surfaces, however, the penguin hops forward in a series of small jumps.
All penguins typically have thick layers of fat, covered by protective, waterproof feathers.
But there is little rest for the Galapagos penguin. In the water, they are preyed on by sharks, fur seals, or sea lions. On land, major threats include overheating, starvation, or predation by introduced cats, dogs, and rats on Isabella Island. To avoid terrestrial enemies, penguins simply turn their backs and let their black coats blend naturally into the surrounding black lava rocks.