Antarctica

(Home of the Emperor Penguin)

For as long as I can remember, I have had a deep fascination with Emperor Penguins. I think they are gorgeous creatures with very interesting habits. I would like to share with you some fun facts and beautiful pictures.

It all started when I saw Emperor Penguins for the first time in a National Geographic. They were so beautiful and so very interesting. I just had to know more! I continued to read the article and found out that there are 17 different breeds of penguins. The largest of them are the Emperor Penguin. They stand at an average of 4 ft. tall and weigh an average of up to 88 pounds.

One of my favorite things about this breed is their mating habits. Generally, we are used to the female being the sole care- giver and provider for a new born. Emperor Penguin’s work on the contrary. Once a year they travel to a certain breeding ground where there could be thousands of fellow penguins.

Each penguin will wander about calling out their mating call until

eventually a pair is formed. Once a pair is made, that pair, is in-

seperatable. Once the egg is produced the female then transfers

the egg, ever so carefully as to not let it hit the snow, to the male

penguin. The egg then rests atop the feet of the father while the

mother travels back the long journey to the water’s edge for food.

Once the female consumes enough food, she travels back to her mate

and her baby to share the nourishment.

H This is what a colony of Emperor Penguins might look like

during mating season.

EHere is a baby Emperor Penguin

keeping warm on her daddy’s feet.

Once the baby is ready to venture out into the world on it’s

own, the parents part ways with each other and make the journey

back to the water’s edge.

I have learned quite-a-bit about the Emperor Penguin’s habits and way of life by reading about them in magazines and looking on the internet. I have found so many sites with such great pictures. I hope everyone has a chance to check them out.

If you would like to share pictures of Emperor Penguins feel free to e-mail me at:

daniellejones@empirecollege.com.