National Penguin Awareness Day

Happy National Penguin Awareness Day!  I just found out that January 20th is Penguin Awareness Day.  I love penguins!


Here are some facts about penguins (via here):

• The tallest penguin reaches the height of four feet and is called Emperor Penguin. The smallest penguin has a height of 1'3" and is called the Little Blue Penguin.
• The rarest penguin is called the Yellow-eyed Penguin. It is named that because of its eye color and also because of the two yellow strips on its wings. There are only 5000 in the world today. 
• Penguins have a filter just below their beaks. This filter purifies the salt water from the ocean when they drink.
• The mother lays the eggs and the father keeps it warm while waiting for it to hatch. Because they live in colder regions, the egg needs extra warmth to hatch. Thus, the father takes up the role. 
• Penguins don't always go to land to sleep. If they find danger on shore, they can take small naps in the water. 
• Unlike other birds, penguins have their own sign language to communicate. They communicate not only with their voice but also by waving their wings and nodding their heads.

When I was living in South Africa last year, I got to visit a place on the Cape where you can swim and interact with the penguins.  Have you ever seen penguins go up stairs?  It's really cute!

Aren't they amazing!?!

Happy Penguin Day!