🐧 Emperor Penguin Facts for Kids

🪶 Birds Grades K–5

The emperor penguin is a meat-eating bird that lives in Antarctica. Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest penguins.

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🐧 Emperor Penguin fact file

Scientific name: Aptenodytes forsteri
Animal group: Bird
Where it lives: Antarctica
Habitat: Sea ice and icy waters around Antarctica
Diet: Carnivore (meat-eater) — Fish, krill and squid
Size: About 4 feet tall
Weight: About 50–100 lb
Life span: About 20 years
Status: Near Threatened

📏 An emperor penguin is about as tall as a first grader.

⭐ 5 fun facts about emperor penguins

Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest penguins.
The dad keeps the egg warm on his feet for about two months in the dark Antarctic winter — without eating.
Penguins huddle together in groups of thousands to stay warm, taking turns in the middle.
They can dive deeper than 1,500 feet.
Penguins can’t fly, but they “fly” underwater with their flippers.

Where do emperor penguins live?

Wild emperor penguins are found in Antarctica. Sea ice and icy waters around Antarctica. If you want to see one in the United States, visit an accredited zoo or aquarium.

What do emperor penguins eat?

Emperor penguins are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. Their menu: fish, krill and squid.

Is the emperor penguin endangered?

Status: Near Threatened. That means its numbers are dropping or at risk, so scientists keep a close eye on it. You can help wild animals by learning about them, saving energy, cutting down on plastic and supporting zoos, aquariums and parks that protect wildlife.