Fact Sheet
Penguins
What Defenders is Doing to Help Penguins
In March 2009 the African penguins on the Cape of Good Hope got 200 new nesting boxes made of fiberglass that simulate natural nests that will protect them from the scorching sun and predators.
The penguins’ popularity in the hearts of people may also help them survive: an oil spill in 2000 prompted a massive rescue effort in which thousands of volunteers mobilized to rescue 38,000 birds.
More on Penguins: What You Can Do to help Penguins »
More on Penguins:
Fast Facts
Size: The blue penguin, also known as the fairy penguin, is the smallest of the penguin species at 16 inches tall (.41m). It weighs about 2.2 (1 kg) pounds. The largest penguin species is the emperor penguin, which is about 3.7 feet (1.1m) tall and weighs between 60 and 90 pounds (27-41 kg).
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years depending on the species.
Range Map
Click to enlarge » Protection Status
Endangered Species Act:
Endangered
IUCN Red List:
Endangered
CITES:
Appendix I
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Climate change is now one of the leading threats to wildlife. Find out what Defenders is doing to help animals around the country survive in a warming planet.
In the Magazine
Global warming and other perils are pushing some of these birds to the brink
Animals & Habitats
Browse all of our animal and habitat fact sheets.
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On the Blog
March 12, 2012 | 12.42 PM
February 22, 2012 | 10.37 AM