World Penguin Day: Protecting the Coolest Birds on Earth

Cute, Clever, and in Danger

The purpose of April 25ths World Penguin Day is to increase public awareness of these flightless birds in order to protect their species and allow future generations to witness these magnificent and exquisite animals. Adélie penguins migrate north every year on this day following a natural and generation-long pattern. Antarctica is home to eight native species. In large groups the majority of monogamous penguins use distinctive calls to help them locate mates. In a season the King and Emperor penguins lay only one egg but most species lay up to two. However it is concerning to note that 10 of the 18 extant species are listed as endangered.

Background of World Penguin Day

At McMurdo Station an American research facility on Ross Island where scientists found that Adélie penguins begin their yearly migration on this day this specific penguin celebration was developed. In order to honor the occasion and spread awareness of these animals, World Penguin Day was established. On this day people are encouraged to learn more about penguins, their environment, the threats they face and how they contribute to it. 

Penguins vary greatly in size with the little blue penguin standing at around 13 inches and the large emperor penguin growing to over three feet and seven inches. In the past there were enormous species of penguins that weighed more than 176 pounds and reached nearly six feet in height. Given their wings that have developed into flippers and their exceptional swimming skills which allow species like the emperor penguin to descend up to 1800 feet, penguins are incredibly adapted to aquatic life. To fend off predators from above and below penguins wear disguises. They stay afloat and stay warm thanks to the air that their glossy feathers retain. These extraordinary creatures are spread all over the Southern Hemisphere from Antarctica to the Galápagos Islands penguins are famous for their dedicated chick hatching endeavors, cute waddles and amazing survival instincts such as huddling to stay warm during icy winters. 

The films and books Penguins of Madagascar and Mr. Penguins were inspired by our love of penguins. Popper’s Penguins. However they are in danger of going extinct so it is imperative that we work together to prevent pollution and lessen our carbon footprint in order to protect their habitat.

Timeline of World Penguin Day

• 1972 National Penguin Day Commences

Gerry Wallace commemorated the beginning of the Adélie penguin migration on his wifes calendar in 1972 which marked the beginning of National Penguin Day.

• 2005 “March of the Penguins”

This highly regarded French documentary chronicles the emperor penguins’ yearly migrations.

• 2018 An Alarming Study

According to research at least two-thirds of emperor penguin colonies will have drastically decreased by the year 2100. 

• 2022 50 Years of Penguin Day

The Penguins will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2022.

Activities for World Penguin Day

• Read Up on Penguins

This is the ideal time to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Read books, do some research online or watch the documentary Penguins which tells the story of Steve an Adélie penguin who in spite of the dangers of Antarctica decides to start a family with millions of other males. 

• Go to the Zoo in your Area

If at all possible visit a zoo to get a close-up look at these birds. You might even be able to participate in feeding time by tossing fish to the hungry birds. 

• Get a Penguin as a Pet

With the option to adopt one remotely you can fund a penguin. It can be named and visits can be scheduled.

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Facts About Penguin

• Diving is a Talent for Penguins 

Gentoo penguins can descend as far as 600 feet while King penguins can descend as far as 1125 feet.

• Once Every 20 Minutes Penguins Poop

Penguins frequently have to poop because of how quickly they digest their food. 

• Predators are Warded Off by their Countershading

Penguins black and white coloring helps them blend in with their surroundings making them invisible to predators both above and below. 

• The Fastest Swimmers are Gentoo Penguins

The top speed at which gentoo penguins can swim is 22 miles per hour. 

• Penguins have been Around Since the Beginning of Time

The earliest known fossils of penguins date back millions of years.

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Why to Adore World Penguin Day

• They are a Natural Wonder

In addition to being the most beautiful birds in the animal kingdom penguins are also the most proficient. They can swim about five times faster than an Olympic swimmer and hold their breath for 20 minutes underwater. 

• They are Distinctive

Penguins are aquatic flightless birds. They are found in the southern hemisphere and their beauty enhances their surroundings. On World Penguin Day we honor these remarkable animals. 

• They Have a Good Effect on our Surroundings

As food for sharks and leopard seals penguins help to preserve ecological balance. By feeding on small fish squid and krill they also support the food chain.