Taiwan Pingtung Aquarium Puffin "Coming of Age": Vibrant Transformation in Breeding Season Plumage

Every year from April to June marks the breeding season for puffins, during which their bodies undergo a transformation from their original dark plumage to a more vibrant appearance. Last year, a puffin named JOJO was born at the Taiwan Pingtung Aquarium, and this year, JOJO will experience its first adult season. The caretakers are closely monitoring JOJO's growth into adulthood.

During the breeding season, puffins change from their all-black feathers to a stunning white face, and their beaks become thicker and more colorful. They also grow two golden crests, undergoing a magnificent transformation. Additionally, puffins exhibit courtship behaviors, such as tapping their feet and dancing, singing love songs, and flapping their wings to show affection.

Last year's JOJO has gained a large following on social media due to its adorable appearance and amusing postures. This year, JOJO will enter its first breeding season, and its beak has started to turn yellow as it matures. After successful pairing, puffins prepare to reproduce. They prefer to nest in steep rock crevices or cliff holes, which increase the nest's secrecy and help with flight due to the higher elevation.

The aquarium mimics the puffins' natural habitat by creating cliff-like scenery and digging burrows, allowing them to breed naturally in the display area. Every morning at 10 AM, the aquarium hosts a puffin feeding and explanation session. Through interactive explanations by interpreters and caretakers, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of puffin behavior and their ecological environment.