But Tess had a serious health scare recently when skin cancer was discovered on her face. Doctors at Colorado State University's veterinary hospital used very advanced, targeted radiation therapy to treat it.

"She was able to be asleep for the whole procedure, didn't feel a thing, has responded very well to the therapy," says Doctor Matt Johnston.

Tess is unique in another important way: she's part of a rapidly dwindling population of African penguins, penguins that are currently threatened by climate change.

"You know the plight of the African penguin is sad," Johnston says.

Tess' vet, who's studied the issue, says climate change has altered ocean currents off the southern and western coasts of Africa where the penguins live, forcing the birds to swim up to 30 kilometers to get the sardines and anchovies they depend on.

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