Emperor penguin

Aptenodytes forsteri

Aves · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae

Fig. 1. Emperor penguin

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	About 1.1-1.3 m tall
Weight	About 22-45 kg
Food	Fish, krill, squid
Lifespan	About 20 years
Society	Huge breeding colonies; huddles in winter
Habitat	polar
Range	Antarctica
Wild or tame	Wild

The only animal that breeds on Antarctic sea ice through the winter; fathers hold the egg on their feet for about two months.

Observe: Watch huddles shift as birds take turns in the warm middle.

Modern data

Status today

NTNear threatened status to verify

Conservation	Near threatened; depends on stable sea ice.
Keeper's note	Daily checks of appetite, movement and behavior; enrichment that changes from day to day.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Aptenodytes

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

See it elsewhere in the museum

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Weigh the cost of warmthPreviewThe Mammal Hall: What makes a mammal?PreviewThe Great Aquarium: Is a dolphin a fish?Preview

Drawer: Zoo: Polar coast

Quiz: Polar coast quiz · 5 questions