King penguin

Aptenodytes patagonicus

Aves · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae

Fig. 1. King penguin

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	About 70-100 cm tall
Weight	About 9-18 kg
Food	Fish and squid
Lifespan	About 25 years
Society	Colonies
Habitat	polar, coastal
Range	Antarctica, South America
Wild or tame	Wild

The second-largest penguin; chicks wear brown fluff for a year.

Observe: Compare the orange ear patches with the emperor's.

Modern data

Status today

LCLeast concern status to verify

Conservation	Least concern.
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