Penguins Having 'Group Chat' at Nature Center Are Impossible to Resist

Located in New Orleans, Louisianna, the Audubon Nature Institute is home to many animals both large and small. The institute includes a zoo, aquarium, and even an insectarium so there's plenty to see and do. They shared a video on Wednesday, May 22nd of their penguins having a 'group chat' and it's the cutest - and noisiest - thing you'll see today.

The video shows the colony of penguins who live at the nature center. They're standing around talking to each other, all at the same time. It's very noisy! Make sure your sound is on to get the full effect!

Those penguins had a lot to say! It was such a cute video; I just wish it was longer. Audubon Nature Institute fans also enjoyed the video. @Guy L Tillis pointed out, "We need the speakers back in the habitat so guests can actually hear this!" @Hazel Gardener laughed, "Instead of wolf howl it's now penguin bray... let's go!" and Audubon replied, "They're trend setters!"

Related: Penguin at Aquarium of the Pacific Says ‘Good Morning’ in the Cutest Way

Why Penguins Bray

While it was fun to watch the penguin's group chat, Audubon shared in the caption that the penguins were actually braying, and that this type of vocalization is one of the ways that penguins communicate with each other. When I read that I thought the name was fitting since they do sound like a bunch of donkeys braying back and forth!

California Academy of Sciences explains more about how and why penguins bray. Penguins don't just bray like dogs bark, they actually have to prepare to do it, "Standing with its feet apart, a penguin slowly raises its head, pointing the beak upwards. Wings lifted outward, the chest heaves with an inhale of air, followed by a loud braying sound." If you watch the video closely, you'll see the penguins doing this.

The academy goes on to share why they do this, "This display is most frequently seen and heard when a penguin has wandered into another’s territory. It communicates territory ownership, identifies the penguin (each bird’s bray is unique) and often draws the mate back to their territory."

Since these penguins are all in the same colony, they're not claiming territory. But there is another reason why penguins bray; it's how penguins maintain social bonds within their colonies. Since each bray is unique, the birds can recognize each other’s calls which helps them identify family members, neighbors, and friends.

When a male penguin is looking for a mate, he'll show off his braying skills. They use their braying calls to attract potential mates, and if you know anything about penguins, you know that they also give potential mates rocks as gifts. A male not only has to get the female's attention with his braying skills, but he also has to bring her the perfect rock, too!

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