Emperor penguins, aptenodytes forsteri, are the largest penguins in the world. They stand at about 3.8 feet (1.15 meters) high, and weigh anywhere from 70 to 90 pounds (30 to 40 kilograms). Emperor penguins are mostly black and white like other penguin species, but they do have colorful feathers around their necks and heads as well as yellow ear patches. Like other penguins, they are flightless birds, but make up for it by being graceful swimmers. They are able to tolerate both pressure and low levels of oxygen, holding their breath for up to 22 minutes. They are able to lower their heart rate when diving in order to best hold oxygen in their bodies. Emperor penguins can dive up to 1,800 feet (550 meters) and swim at speeds of 6 to 9 miles (10 to 15 kilometers) an hour.
Emperor penguins are found all around the coast of Antarctica. Fortunately, they have a few ways to keep warm in such a harsh and cold environment. They have large bodies that contain a thick layer of down under their outer feathers, which keeps warm air in while keeping cold air and water out. Emperor penguins also have a thick layer of blubber to help keep them warm on cold days. While swimming, large amounts of body oil will help to keep them dry. They live in groups called colonies with around 40 known colonies in the wild.
The diet of emperor penguins consists of squid, krill and a variety of fish. They use their exceptional swimming skills to catch and consume their prey. Leopard seals are the biggest threat to emperor penguins and are constantly looking to pick one off from the group. Thankfully, emperor penguins possess the speed to outrun their enemies most of the time.
Breeding season for emperor penguins takes place from late April to May. Females will lay one egg anytime from May to June and then roll the egg onto the feet of the fathers. The males will then cover the eggs with a thick fold of skin that hangs from their bellies in order to incubate them. Females will go off to the sea to hunt and not return until July. The males will all huddle together in order to keep themselves warm during the harsh winter months, moving from the outside of the circle to the center and then back again to keep from freezing to death. After about 115 to 120 days, the eggs will hatch and the females will return around the same time. Males will then pass off the chick (sometimes reluctantly) to their mothers and go out to sea and hunt for themselves for days. After this, both mothers and fathers will take turns raising the chicks and feeding them until they are old enough to fend for themselves. If the chicks can survive long enough, then they can live to be up to 20 years old.
Emperor penguins are not an endangered species, with an estimated 200,000 breeding pairs in the wild. They are however, in danger of climate change just like many other arctic creatures are. Hopefully, something can be done to prevent emperor penguins from facing the threat of extinction. After all, such a unique species of bird deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.
