The emperor penguin is the largest species of penguin, weighing up to 86 lbs and standing over 3 feet tall. It is uniquely adapted to survive the harsh Antarctic climate, enduring temperatures as low as -62°C and wind gusts up to 200 kph. Emperor penguins spend their entire life on the open ice, breeding during the austral winter. They feed on fish, krill, and squid, diving as deep as 550 meters to find food. Breeding occurs between April and June, with males incubating eggs for over 4 months without eating while females return to sea to feed. Their population is declining due to effects of climate change on Antarctic sea ice habitat.

1. Emperor PenguinEmperor Penguin
By Amanda BrewerBy Amanda Brewer

2. Key FactsKey Facts
Largest species ofLargest species of
penguinpenguin
Weight up to 86lb/39kgWeight up to 86lb/39kg
Height up to 3.8ft/115cmHeight up to 3.8ft/115cm
Endure temperatures asEndure temperatures as
low aslow as --6262°°CC
Endure wind gusts up toEndure wind gusts up to
200 kmph/124mph200 kmph/124mph
Spend whole life on openSpend whole life on open
iceice
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
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Height comparison ofAntartica
penguins

3. ClimateClimate
15.79.59.711.811.315.624.923.718.424.121.215Ave
rain fall
mm
-3.4-9.7-18.9-24.6-26.1-25.7-23-21.7-20.7-18.2-9.5-2.9Ave
temp
°C
DecNovOctSepAugJulyJuneMayAprMarFebJan

4. DietDiet
Feed on fish, krill andFeed on fish, krill and
squidsquid
Antarctica silverfish is aAntarctica silverfish is a
firm favouritefirm favourite
Dive for fish to a depth ofDive for fish to a depth of
550 m550 m
They are able to reachThey are able to reach
food resources otherfood resources other
birds cannot reachbirds cannot reach
Hold their breath whileHold their breath while
looking for food up to 22looking for food up to 22
minutesminutes

5. BreedingBreeding
Breeding takes place April toBreeding takes place April to
MayMay
Eggs are laid in May and JuneEggs are laid in May and June
The male then takes over theThe male then takes over the
incubation period, and theincubation period, and the
female returns to the ocean forfemale returns to the ocean for
feedingfeeding
Incubation period is 120 daysIncubation period is 120 days
The male will loose up to 40%The male will loose up to 40%
of his body weight in thisof his body weight in this
periodperiod
The Emperor will sleep 20 orThe Emperor will sleep 20 or
more hours during this time tomore hours during this time to
conserve energy for theconserve energy for the
survival of the eggsurvival of the egg

6. ConservationConservation
15 to 20 year life span15 to 20 year life span
Not listed as endangeredNot listed as endangered
Global warming isGlobal warming is
threatening thethreatening the
disappearing sea icedisappearing sea ice
Population is decliningPopulation is declining
because of thisbecause of this
Many charities help theMany charities help the
survival of the penguinsurvival of the penguin

7. Sources
http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-
antarctica/wildlife/animals/penguins/emperor-
penguins/breeding-cycle
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/antarcti
ca%20environment/climate_graph/vostok_south_pole_mcmurdo.h
tm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emperor_penguin_in_w
ater_Feb09.jpg
http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=534
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/wildlife
/Penguin_royalty_King_and_Emperor_penguins.htm
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/wildlife
/antarctic_penguins.htm