This week is all about penguins. Look at how many different types of penguins there are.
Here are a few Basic Penguin Facts *
There are 17 different species of penguins. *
The largets is the Emperor penguin and the smallest is the Little blue penguin or fairy penguin. *
Penguins can’t fly. Why? Their bones are solid which makes them too heavy to fly. *
Penguins eat fish, squid and krill. *
Penguins have short, stiff feathers that keep them water proof. *
Penguins have a large layer of fat to keep them warm.
Now for some Fun Penguin Facts *
Penguins live in Antarctica, Southern Africa, New Zealand, South America and the Galapagos Islands. *
Their coloring, black backs and white bellies act as camouflage in the water. If looked down on or up at, they blend in with the water. *
Their wings have evolved into flippers, so they can swim, FAST. *
Male penguins incubate the eggs until they hatch.
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Watch this video about the Galapagos penguins.
Let’s look at two different penguins this week. First up, the
Emperor penguin.
This picture is copyrighted by Samuel Blanc. You can view other pictures taken by him at
his website.
Did you know. . . *
They are the largest living penguin growing to about 3 ft 7 in tall and weighing in at 75 pounds or more. *
They live about 20 years but can live up to 50 years. *
While the dads are incubating the eggs, the moms go in search of food, about 75 miles away. *
They can stay under water for up to 20 minutes and dive as deep as 1,755 feet. *
Their tongues have rear-facing barbs on them to keep prey from escaping once they’re caught. *
Their name, Aptenodytes forsteri, comes from ancient Greek and means “without-wings-diver.”
Now let’s move from Antarctica to Africa and visit with the
African black footed penguin.
Did you know . . . *Spheniscus demersus is their scientific name and they are part of the banded penguins. *
They are about 27 inches tall and weigh around 11 pounds. *
Each penguin has a different pattern of dots on their belly. *
They live in South Africa. *
African black footed penguins are also know as Jackass penguins. Why? They sound like a donkey when they speak. *
They have pink glands over their eyes. These help keep their blood cool when they get hot. *
They make their nests from hardened guano.
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We have another hidden picture for you today made just for zoo camp by Amanda Sorensen.
Thanks Amanda once again for sharing your amazing talent with all of us here at zoo camp.
Check out Amanda’s art here.
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Here’s another puzzle. See how fast you can find the 7 things that don’t belong.
6 paper cups
6 small wooden popcicle sticks
4 c. strawberries
1/3 c.Tropical Punch flavored sugar-sweetened soft drink mix
Rinse strawberries and remove stems.
Place strawberries & flavored soft-drink mix in a blender container, cover & blend on low speed for 1 1/2 minutes or until smooth.
Pour mixture into the paper cups making each of them even.
Freeze for 45 minutes and then insert the wooden popcicle sticks and freeze again for 2-3 hours or until firm.
When ready to use, remove from freezer and peel off the paper cups to serve.
