WORLD PENGUIN DAY 2024

On World Penguin Day, we're bringing you two new videos on Antarctica and its penguins. The first video explains the discovery of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI, or bird flu) in Antarctic bird populations and the danger the virus poses to the delicate ecosystem of Antarctica, while the second video explains recent sea ice changes in the Southern Ocean.

PENGUIN FACTS

• There are 18 different species of penguins in the world, of which 11 are listed on the IUCN Red list as Globally Threatened.
• Antarctic penguins are expected to suffer significant population declines under current climate trajectories. Additional threats include krill fishing in the Southern Ocean and viruses. We recommend checking out SCAR's Antarctic Wildlife Health Network HPAI Database for more information.
• Penguins have amazing abilities! The Gentoo penguin can swim up to 30 miles per hour, and the emperor penguin can hold its breath for up to 22 minutes. These incredible skills keep help penguins look for food over long durations and successfully catch a bite to eat.
• These adorable animals have been featured on the big screen quite a few times, but did you know that the 2006 movie Happy Feet won a Golden Globe for an original Prince song? Prince was given a private screening of the movie prior to its release and enjoyed it so much that he offered to write "Song of the Heart" just for Happy Feet!

Although they are facing some serious threats, collaborative research and conservation efforts are underway to protect penguins around the world. For example, organizations like IAATO have implemented biosecurity measures to help keep Antarctic species as safe as possible. By adhering to safe tourism practices and precautionary measures, we can better avoid carrying HPAI and other viruses to the southern continent.