Penguins are flightless birds found in the Southern Hemisphere that lay eggs and have waterproof feathers. There are 17 penguin species that live between 15-20 years. They swim using wings as flippers and can reach speeds of 10mph. Some species like the Galapagos and Emperor penguins are endangered, while others like the Blue and Macaroni are vulnerable or of least concern. In 1940, supposed sightings of a giant penguin in Florida turned out to be a hoax involving a fake three-toed creature.

1. PENGUINS

2. PenguinsFound: Southern HemisphereSize: 40cm to 110 cmSpecies: 17Status: 13 Not endangered 2 endangered 2 vulnerableDiet: Krill, Squid, FishPenguins are a species of birds that lay eggs. They are warm blooded, at temperatures of around 40°. Unlike other birds, penguins cannot fly. They are thought to of evolved 40 million years ago. The outer part of the penguin’s feather is waterproof, to keep water away from the skin. The average penguin lives for 15-20 years, with a high mortality rate. Some penguins can live 75% of their live in the water. Many penguins can reach speeds of up to 10mph.

3. The Species of PenguinAdelie PenguinAfrican PenguinBlue PenguinChinstrap PenguinEmperor PenguinErect Crested PenguinFiordlandPenguinGalapagos PenguinGentoo PenguinHumboldt PenguinKing PenguinMacaroni PenguinMagellanic PenguinRockhopper PenguinRoyal PenguinSnares PenguinYellow-Eyed Penguin

4. Where Are They Found?Galapagos Penguin: Only penguins north of the equator

5. SpeciesGalapagos:Found only on Galapagos Islands3rd smallest species Status: ENDANGEREDEmperor:Trek 30-80 miles to breed in groups3rd smallest species Status: LEAST CONCERNHumboldt:Found in Peru and ChileNamed after water it swims inStatus: VULNERABLE

6. SpeciesRockhopper:99% breed on Gough Island and Tristan da CunhaOil spill in March 2011 wiped out massStatus: ENDANGEREDBlue:Found in Australia and New Zealand, maybe ChileSmallest species, 30-33cm tallStatus: LEAST CONCERNMacaroni:Adults weight on average 5.5kg and stand at 70cmHunted greatly by Leopard SealStatus: VULNERABLE

7. Penguin HoaxFlorida 1940Several people reported large, 3 toed animal tracks in Clearwater Beach, Florida. More found along Suwannee River – 40 miles away. Couple reported being harasses by penguin like creature from the sea. Later sighted at distance, described 4.5m tall, alligator like feet. At same time, boat off Florida Gulf Coast reported penguin like creature floating on water. Later seen on airplane over Suwannee River. Sighter, a zoologist, said creature was giant penguin out of normal habitat.

8. Penguin HoaxThis is in fact ‘Florida Three-Toes’.It is held by owner Ivan T. Sanderson in 1948.