The African penguin, also known as the jackass penguin, is a small penguin species native to the southwestern coast of Africa. Other synonyms for the African penguin are the Cape penguin, the black-footed penguin, and the South African penguin. These birds are known for their distinctive braying calls that sound similar to those of a donkey, which is where the jackass penguin name originates from. Unfortunately, African penguins are classified as an endangered species due to habitat destruction, oil spills, and overfishing, so it is crucial to promote conservation efforts to protect these unique birds.