Terrestrial habitat
African Penguin · Planet Zoo 2
African Penguin in Planet Zoo 2: habitat type, biomes, barrier grade, space, temperature, group limits and breeding values — the numbers you need before you place the first rock.
At a glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Conservation status | Critically Endangered |
| Native range | Africa |
| Biomes | Open Sea, Savannah |
| Habitat type | Terrestrial habitat |
| Content pack | Base game |
| Adult size | 0.65 m / 0.64 m (standing height) |
| Adult weight | 3.1 kg |
Care requirements
| Requirement | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Habitat temperature | 3°C to 36°C |
| Group size (mixed) | 6–500 |
| Group cap per sex | 500 / 500 |
| Land area | 180m² |
| Shelter area | 2m² |
| Barrier strength grade | 2 |
| Barrier height | 1m |
| Climb-proof barrier | No |
| Water barrier allowed | No |
| Terrain mix | Sand 20–100%, Soil 0–50%, Rock 10–100% |
| Periodic food cost | $83.75 |
What this means for the build
- Barrier strength grade 2 with a minimum height of 1m is the Zoopedia requirement for this species.
- Keep the habitat between 3°C to 36°C; heaters and coolers are a running cost, not a one-off.
- Terrain mix must stay inside the ranges in the table: welfare checks the painted surface, not the object list.
- Plan at least 180m² of land area before adding shelter and enrichment objects.
- Shelter area of 2m² counts separately from the land area.
- Group size runs 6–500 mixed; overstocking shows up first as social welfare warnings.
Lifecycle and breeding
| Requirement | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Age of sexual maturity | 5 years |
| Gestation / incubation | 0 months |
| Interbirth period | 12 months |
| Litter size | 1-1 |
| Reproduction difficulty | Easy |
| Age of sterility | 14 years |
| Mating system | Monogamous |
| Offspring dispersal | None |
Enrichment that counts
- Food-based: Bamboo Feeder, Block of Frozen Fish
- Habitat: Curio Ball, Submarine Buoy, Water Hoop, Platform Floats, Sprinkler, Bubble Blower - Airstone, Tennis Ball
Next decision
- Open the welfare debugger prefilled with African Penguin
- Sequence research, welfare and breeding for this species
- Check release readiness for this species
Source and version
Zoopedia record captured 2026-10-17 — official Zoopedia entry. Values change with patches; check the version before acting.
FAQ
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
What habitat does the African Penguin need?
Terrestrial habitat — biomes: Open Sea, Savannah. Barrier grade 2, minimum height 1m.
What temperature does the African Penguin habitat need?
3°C to 36°C
How many African Penguin can live together?
6–500 mixed, cap per sex 500/500.
How long is the African Penguin gestation?
0 months, with an interbirth period of 12 months.