MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Environmental organizations commemorate World Penguin Day

Among penguins, males incubate the eggs while females hunt (Pic Derek Pettersson VP Falklands)

April 25 marked a new celebration of World Penguin Day to highlight these birds' environmental role, raising awareness of the threats they face, and promoting conservation. Under the theme “Waddle for a Greener Tomorrow,” conservationist groups promoted eco-friendly actions to ensure penguins’ habitats remain safe.

The date was picked in connection with Adélie penguins’ northward migration in Antarctica.

Penguins are excellent swimmers, using wings as flippers. They can be found in diverse climates, from Antarctica to South Africa. In addition, Galápagos penguins live near the equator. They are also loyal partners, sharing parenting duties.

Climate change, overfishing, pollution (plastic/oil), and tourism disturbances threaten their lives. Environmental organizations promote spreading education about them while reducing plastic use and encourage climate-conscious habits such as walking or biking instead of using air-polluting motor vehicles.

Penguin spotting trips are available in places such as Boulders Beach (South Africa), Galápagos Islands, Antarctica’s Cape Washington, Macquarie Island (Australia), Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), and Robben Island (South Africa). They are also housed at the Edinburgh Zoo (Scotland), where Major General Sir Nils Olav III lives. He is the world’s highest-ranking penguin, the Norwegian King’s Guard mascot, and a Guinness World Record holder. Promoted multiple times since 1972, he’s celebrated with statues in Scotland and Norway for his service and charm. Sir Nils was named after the Major and King Olav V, who was King of Norway at the time, and was originally a Lance Corporal. Since 2023, he outranks the Major he was named in honor of, thanks to his many promotions over the years.

Originating from New Zealand, as per fossil records, penguins have evolved over thousands of years and are now found across the southern hemisphere. They are notable for their black-and-white coloring for camouflage, a gland to filter saltwater, and behaviors like males incubating eggs while females hunt. During all this time, the male can survive without ingesting any food.

With 18 species, penguins communicate effectively, maintain balance with their tails, and have a diet of fish and plankton. The day emphasizes their ecological importance and the need for conservation.