World Penguin Day

World Penguin Day History

World Penguin Day seeks to celebrate the aquatic, flightless birds. Penguins are critical to their ecosystems as they serve as both predators and prey. They provide food for leopard seals while preying on fish such as squid and krill. Penguins are in danger of being affected by climate change. According to World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), up to 75% of the Adelie penguin population will decline and eventually disappear if the temperature rises above 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius).

World Penguin Day was established in 1972 by Californian Gerry Wallace. It is observed annually on April 25th, a date that marks the Adelie penguin’s migration north toward Antarctica.

Facts about World Penguin Day

• 10 out of the world’s 18 penguin species are considered vulnerable or endangered.
• According to asoc.org, most penguins are monogamous. They have distinct calls which allow them to locate their mates in large groups.
• Male penguins often give their mates a pebble as a "proposal". Even before modern humans, penguins had their way of giving precious "stones" to their loved ones.
• Most penguin species lay up to two eggs during their mating season. The Emperor and King penguins lay only one egg.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Penguin Day

Top things to do in the US for World Penguin Day

• Browse through reports and infographics published by the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. The reports and infographics highlight Antarctic species and the programs in place to protect them.
• Explore a gallery of penguins provided by PBS Wildlife Journal Junior.
• Watch the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition's World Penguin Day video.