Kids Love Penguins

Hey kids, do you remember about the penguins in the Hollywood blockbuster film, “Happy Feet”? You must be eager to know more about penguins, right? Here are some general facts about penguins that you will care to know. Penguins are sea birds that cannot fly. They mostly dwell in the Southern Hemisphere. In all, there are 18 species of penguins, found in South Australia, New Zealand, and off the coasts of Peru, Chile, and South Africa. Some species live as far north as the equatorial Galapagos Islands, but they are primarily cold-weather birds. There are seven species of Antarctic penguins: the Adelie, Gentoo, Macaroni, Chinstrap, Rockhopper, King, and Emperor. The Adelie and the Emperor are the two true Antarctic species. Penguins spend their life in the sea. Some species spend as much as 75% of their lives in the water though they lay their eggs and raise their chicks on land. Heavy, solid bones act like a diver’s weight belt, allowing them to stay underwater. Their wings, shaped like flippers, help them “fly” underwater at speeds up to 15 mph. A streamlined body, paddle-like feet, insulating blubber, and watertight feathers all add to their efficiency and comfort underwater. They also have a remarkable deep-diving ability. They are well suited for Antartica.

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