We don't need no steenking Morgan Freeman! ForWARD, Waddle!

African penguins welcomed to new S.F. home

Scientists threw a coming-home party Wednesday for 20 African penguins in their new rock-rimmed tank at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

The birds represent the academy's part in a major international effort to restore the southern continent's vulnerable population, which has declined by 90 percent in the past century to a total of 179,000 birds. Oil spills and human settlement along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, this tribe of penguins' natural habitat, are responsible for the damage.

The academy's 20 birds have just moved in to Golden Gate Park after four years at their temporary home on Howard Street. On Wednesday, they were happily diving and swimming and scrambling around their rocks.

"They're already completely at home," senior aquatic biologist Pamela Schaller said, "and that's really reassuring to all of us."

The penguin display occupies one end of the new academy's restored African Hall, whose scenic dioramas are virtually replicas of the old ones so familiar to generations of visitors.

Opening day for the rebuilt academy is Sept. 27.

Check out the photos. Massive penguin-y goodness.