Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
AntarcticaPolar ice
About this species
Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest of all penguin species, built to endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth. During the brutal Antarctic winter, males huddle together in massive colonies for warmth while incubating a single egg balanced on their feet for around two months, going without food the entire time. They are extraordinary divers, capable of plunging to depths beyond 500 meters in search of fish, squid, and krill.
Fun fact
Emperor penguins can hold their breath for over 20 minutes underwater.
Quick facts
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Near Threatened
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Weight
- 22-45 kg
- Length
- 1.1-1.3 m
- Top speed
- 6 km/h (waddling), 9 km/h (swimming)
- Population estimate
- ~595,000
