Scientific Name
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Body Weight
9.3-17.3 kg
Body Length
85-95 cm
Habitat
Diet
Fun Facts
Unlike many other penguins, king penguins do not build nests. Laying a single egg each time, the parents take turns to incubate and carry it around on their feet under their belly. Hatching takes about 55 days. The parents also take care of their baby in this way for 30 to 40 days after hatching.
King penguins are social birds that form colonies of tens of thousands. This protects juveniles under collective defense against predators. They also huddle together in extreme cold to conserve heat.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Invasive Species & Diseases
Climate Change
King penguins are threatened by climate change. It shifts the distribution of their prey, which includes small fish and squid, reducing food availability and costing them more time foraging in the ocean. Breeding success may decline as it becomes more difficult to provide nourishment to the chicks. Some scientists suggest that a temperature rise of as little as 0.26°C would reduce the survival rate of adult king penguins by almost 10%.
The Park provides a suitable environment for this species to breed. Special arrangements are made to ensure they can successfully lay eggs and raise their chicks.
Animal Breeding in Ocean Park
Curious to know this “Miracle” was born?
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Fun Activities
