The Atlantic Puffin: A Seabird of the Northern Shores

The Atlantic puffin, often called the "clown of the sea," is a charming seabird known for its colorful beak and waddling gait. Native to the northern Atlantic coasts, puffins are expert divers, using their wings to "fly" underwater in pursuit of fish. At the zoo, these birds live in enclosures that replicate their coastal habitat, with rocky cliffs and pools for swimming.

Visitors are captivated by the puffin's agility both in water and air. Feeding demonstrations showcase their impressive hunting skills as they dive into the water to catch small fish. Zookeepers provide enrichment by varying their diet and creating opportunities for natural behaviors, such as nesting and burrowing.

The puffin’s population is declining in the wild due to climate change and overfishing. Zoos play an essential role in educating visitors about these threats and supporting conservation initiatives to protect this beloved seabird and its fragile ecosystems.