Scientific Name
Pygoscelis papua
Body Weight
4.5-8.5 kg
Body Length
70-95 cm
Habitat
Diet
Fun Facts
Gentoo penguins are the fastest swimmers among all birds, with a speed of up to 36 km per hour.
Gentoo penguins build nests to hold their eggs. Males have to find the best site for a nest so as to attract females. After forming a couple, they start the construction with pebbles, vegetation and even moulted feathers. When one of them returns with a pebble, its mate will bow a few times to show acceptance. By picking from the surroundings or stealing from other nests, they may use more than 1,700 stones to build their home.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Invasive Species & Diseases
Pollution
Gentoo penguins are disturbed by human habitation, tourism and roads, which affects their breeding. Climate change causes excessive melting of glaciers and sea ice, which diminishes the gentoo penguins’ habitat. Currently, oil exploration is expanding around the Falklands as well, which also threatens them.
The Park provides a suitable environment for this species to breed. Special arrangements are made to ensure the penguins can successfully lay eggs and raise their chicks.
Fun Activities
