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World famous gay penguin dies

One half of the world famous gay penguin couple at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium has died. In 2018, Gentoo penguin Sphen made international headlines when he coupled up with another male gentoo penguin, Magic. Shortly after meeting, the two male penguins began making a nest together out of pebbles ahead of breeding season, so the aquarium staff gave them a foster egg to care for. Sphen and Magic raised two foster chicks, Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, and are among the most strongly bonded gentoo penguin pairs at the aquarium. The penguins have inspired books, documentaries, new studies in the NSW syllabus and even featured on a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade. Earlier in August, Sphen passed away at the age of 12, which is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin. In order to help process the loss, the aquarium staff took Magic to see his partner's body to help with the understanding that Sphen would not be returning. He immediately started singing, which was reciprocated by the colony. "The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic's story," SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's general manager, Richard Dilly, said in a statement. "Sphen and Magic's love story captivated the world and it's been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life." "The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen." Image credits: SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney

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15 facts (and pictures!) that prove penguins are the world’s most adorable animals

Every day is a good day to appreciate these tuxedo-wearing birds. Nearly all penguins live in the southern hemisphere <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/01-can-penguins-Shutterstuck-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Contrary to media representations of the North Pole, no penguins live up there. The 17 penguin species (some scientists say there are 20) are spread out between Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. The only exception is the Galapagos penguins, who live close to the equator on the Galapagos Islands and occasionally venture into northern hemisphere waters. Penguins have been around for a long time <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/02-emperor-penguins-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> An amateur fossil hunter discovered the bone of an extinct penguin ancestor, and scientists say it’s 61 million years old. That means it probably outlived the dinosaurs that went extinct 65.5 million years ago. Fossils also suggest that this prehistoric bird could fly and could grow up to 150 centimetres tall. They eat a lot <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/03-penguin-eating-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Penguins are carnivores, and their diets consist of fish, krill, crabs, squid, and other sea creatures. According to Smithsonian Magazine, they can eat over one kilogram of food every day during summer months, but eat only a third of that during the winter. They sneeze <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/04-sneeze-penguin-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Their sneezes serve an important purpose, though. Because they eat so much seafood, penguins also consume a lot of saltwater. To get rid of all that salt, their supraorbital glands above their eyes filter it out of the bloodstream, and then, the penguins excrete it through their bills or their sneezes. The littlest penguin may be the cutest <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/05-little-penguin-wildlife-park-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Little blue penguins (also called fairy penguins) really are little. They only grow to be 33-38 centimetres tall, and adults only weigh one kilogram. Emperor penguins are the largest species <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/06-emperor-penguins-sliding-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> They’re around 120 centimetres feet tall and can weigh up to 40 kilograms. Penguins are expert swimmers <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/07-swimming-penguin-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> No, these adorable birds can’t fly. Instead, they use their wings to fly through the water (so to speak) at speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour. They can’t help but waddle <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/08-gentoo-penguin-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Penguins’ bodies are shaped to easily glide through water, with a long body and short legs. So when they walk, the result is a clumsy-looking waddle. Penguins also get around on land by hopping and tobogganing, where they glide on their bellies and use their feet and wings to gain speed. They spend most of their time in the water <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/09-gentoo-penguins-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> According to Ocean Conservancy, penguins spend about 75 per cent of their lives in water. They go on land to mate, lay eggs, and raise their babies. Speaking of penguin babies… <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/10-emperor-penguin-chicks-Shuttersetock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> They’re called chicks or nestlings. They form little groups called crèches to look out for predators and keep each other warm while their parents look for food. Penguins are romantic <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/11-shutterstock_516711187-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Some penguin species mate for life, like the macaroni penguin. These guys and gals show their affection by performing an ‘ecstatic display,’ in which they swing their heads back and forth and cackle loudly. Birds of a feather mate together <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/12-king-penguins-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Most penguin species breed in large groups called colonies (only two species don’t) for protection. Those groups can range from a couple hundred to hundreds of thousands of penguins! Daddy penguins keep their eggs warm <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/13-dad-penguins-incubate-eggs-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> At least, male emperor penguins do, but not by sitting on them. These dads balance the eggs on their feet and cover them with feathered skin called a brood pouch. They stay like this for two months – without food and with no protection from the Antarctica weather – until the mums come back with food for the young ones. Talk about parents of the year! Their feathers keep them camouflaged <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/14-king-penguins-1-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> When penguins swim, their black backs keep them invisible from predators up above, and their white bellies blend into the bright sunlight coming through the waves. We bet your tuxedo can’t do that. Feathers also keep them warm <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/15-imperial-penguins-colony-Shutterstock-770.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="454" /> Penguins don’t have blubber like other sea animals, but their many feathers serve the same purpose. (In particular, emperor penguins have 100 feathers per six square centimetres). The feathers trap a layer of warm air next to their skin, and their surface feathers get colder than the surrounding air to keep their bodies warm. Written by Claire Nowak. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/animal-kingdom/15-facts-and-pictures-that-prove-penguins-are-the-worlds-most-adorable-animals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Images: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Why the penguins are out in record-breaking numbers

Australia’s Phillip Island, home to the world’s smallest penguins, has been the site of a record-breaking “penguin parade”, with over 5,200 birds crossing the beach in a single night. Every day at dusk, some of these penguins make the trip to their nesting grounds on-shore after hunting for fish, squid, kill and small crustaceans in the ocean in an event that regularly draws large numbers of tourists. “Penguin viewing has occurred at the same location for over 50 years and the birds have been habituated to nightly activity over time,” Paula Wasiak, a Phillip Island Nature Parks field researcher, told <a href="https://www.livescience.com/record-breaking-penguin-parade-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Live Science</a>. On May 3, 5,219 of the 40-centimetre-tall penguins stormed the beach toward their burrows in less than an hour. “We couldn’t believe our eyes when more than 5,000 penguins came out of the water in less than an hour,” Wasiak said in a <a href="https://www.penguins.org.au/about/media/latest-news/new-news-page-36/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. The penguin extravaganza comes just a week after the record for the island’s largest penguin parade was broken, when 4,592 penguins came ashore all at one on April 29 according to Wasiak. Overall, May has seen multiple parades with surprisingly high numbers, with 3,000 to 5,000 birds marching each night. “It’s been a penguin party night after night, which is unusual for this time of year, let alone in record numbers like we are seeing now,” Wasiak said. Historically, the larger parades tend to take place in November and December during peak breeding season, according to the Penguin Foundation. As for why they’re coming together in such large numbers lately, it might be to do with this year’s La Niña event. Little penguins primarily eat small fish, such as anchovies, which can only live in a narrow temperature range, according to Wasiak. “It suggests that during La Niña years, the ocean conditions around Phillip Island are often ideal for an abundant supply of fish/food close to shore,” she told Live Science. But, Wasiak said the turnout could also be related to another phenomenon called the “autumn breeding attempt”, where older penguins attempt to breed outside of mating season and results in more penguins heading out to forage, or improvements in the island’s habitat. “One of the main areas we’re seeing an increase in penguin attendance is to the east of the colony. In the past, poor habitat erosion in this area meant penguins had difficulty accessing and nesting there,” she explained. “A lot of work has gone into improving dune structure, creating penguin pathways and restoring habitat, which is now paying off.” If you can’t make it to the island for the nightly parades, you can also watch livestreams on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/phillipislandnatureparks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/pipenguinparade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a>. Image: Phillip Island Nature Parks

Domestic Travel

This is the most remote place on Earth

One of the most remote places on Earth is covered in glaciers, mountains, and fjords. South Georgia sits 1,400 km away from its nearest neighbour, the Falkland Islands, and can only be accessed by sea. The island is permanently covered in ice and spans less than 4,000 square kilometres. Though only 15 to 30 people live on the island at any given time, South Georgia was once a vital part of the brutal whatling industry and was the whaling capital of the South Atlantic. The island was first claimed for Great Britain by James Cook in 1775 and was noted for its abundant populations of seals. By the 1900s, South Georgia’s seals had been hunted to the brink of extinction and whaling became the new money-making industry: whaling. South Georgia’s first whaling station, Grytviken, in the island’s King Edward Cove has become the island’s main settlement, with a population mostly consisting of scientists and government officials. Now, all that remains of the station are rusting towers, warehouses, power plants, and hulking blubber and bone cookers. The shore is lined with ships and boats in varying stages of collapse and the ground is covered in shards of whale bone. One of the old whaling ships still remains, with its harpoon gun that helped it bring in as many as 14 whales in a single trip. Initially, the whalers were primarily concerned with harvesting the blubber from their catches, but later regulatory changes forced them to use the whole animal. The meat and bone-meal was sold as animal feed and fertiliser, but the real prize was whale oil. “The best oils went into food products like margarine and ice cream,” said Finlay Raffle, a curator at the site’s <a href="https://sgmuseum.gs/?title=South_Georgia_Museum">museum</a>. “The second grade went into soap and cosmetics, and the worst was used in industrial processes.” Demand for the substance skyrocketed during World War One and Two, as it was a source of glycerol used in the manufacture of explosives and lubricants for rifles. At the peak of its production, 450 men would work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week at Grytviken, where temperatures can drop below -10C. Despite its history of bloodshed and its impact on whale populations, South Georgia has become an unlikely model of conservation. The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area, one of the world’s biggest marine reserves, now protects more than one million square kilometres of the surrounding waters. Seal populations have since recovered significantly: the island is home to 98 percent of the world’s Antarctic fur seals and about 50 percent of its elephant seals. The island also hosts 30 million breeding pairs of seabirds and four species of penguin. Images: South Georgia Island / Instagram

International Travel

Genetics reveal that Antarctica was once too cold for penguins

Emperor penguins are truly remarkable birds – they thrive in the coldest environment on Earth and live year-round on the ice. Breeding colonies congregate on sea ice during the Antarctic winter and must withstand temperatures that regularly drop below -30C. In fact, emperor penguins are so adapted to cold conditions that they become heat stressed when temperatures climb above 0C. Emperor penguins are therefore particularly threatened by climate change, and their numbers are expected to <a href="http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/v4/n8/full/nclimate2280.html">decline</a> in the coming decades. However a <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12882">new study</a>, published today in Global Change Biology, shows that it was once too cold even for emperor penguins. Penguins past and present In our study of how changing climate has affected emperor penguins over the past 30,000 years we found that, during the last ice age, emperor penguins were roughly seven times less common than today. What’s more, it appears that only three populations survived the last ice age. The Ross Sea was a refuge for one of these populations. In the first continental-scale genetic study of emperor penguins, we examined genetic diversity of penguins modern and ancient to find out how they’re related. We collected genetic samples from eight breeding colonies – no easy feat given that emperor penguins live in some of the remotest places on Earth in conditions that would send most people running for a roaring fire and a hot cup of tea. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/72856/original/image-20150224-32209-815vrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/72856/original/image-20150224-32209-815vrd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> A rookery near Mawson station. Chris Wilson/Australian Antarctic Division, Author provided Reaching the colonies involved weeks on the notoriously wild Southern Ocean (and considerable seasickness), helicopter journeys over pristine expanses of sea ice, and long snow shoe and ski traverses. The “A” (for Antarctic) factor was a constant presence, with delays caused by heavy sea ice that trapped ships for days at a time and blizzards that grounded helicopters. Nevertheless, the effort paid off. Analyses of genetic data allowed us to reconstruct the population history of penguins, and correlate it with environmental conditions inferred from ice core data. The findings indicate that approximately 12,000 years ago, after the ice age ended and temperatures began to rise and sea ice around Antarctica decreased, emperor penguin numbers began to climb. Goldilocks penguins The emperor penguin’s relationship with sea ice can be described as a Goldilocks phenomenon. The penguins need stable sea ice to stand on during their breeding season. If the sea ice extent is too great then the journey between the colony and their feeding grounds in the ocean may prove too costly in terms of energy reserves. If there is too little sea ice or if the sea ice is not stable enough, then the penguins cannot establish successful breeding colonies. The duration of the sea ice season is also important – if the season is too short for the chicks to adequately mature, then they may not have time to grow their adult, waterproof feathers and will not survive at sea. During the last ice age there was about twice as much ice as there is today. Emperor penguins were probably unable to breed in more than a few locations around Antarctica. The distances from the open ocean, where the penguins feed, to the stable sea ice where they breed was probably too great in most of their modern breeding locations. The three populations that did manage to survive the ice age may have done so by breeding near polynyas – areas of ocean that are kept free of sea ice by wind and currents. One of the most important of these polynyas was located in the Ross Sea. Uncertain future Because of this Goldilocks relationship emperor penguins are facing an uncertain future. Antarctic sea ice extent has been measured using satellites for the past 35 years. In this time, large changes with very different trends in different regions have been observed. For the past three years in a row winter sea ice has <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-antarctic-sea-ice-record-but-scientists-arent-confounded-31676">broken records</a> for total maximum extent. This overall increasing trend masks major regional changes in the extent of the sea ice field and the duration of the sea ice season. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/72977/original/image-20150224-25670-c2ed8d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/72977/original/image-20150224-25670-c2ed8d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Emperor penguin colonies are found right around the Antarctic continent. Jane Younger, Author provided In some areas, such as the Bellingshausen Sea, there has been a large decline in sea ice while in others, including the Ross Sea, sea ice is increasing. These fluctuations in sea ice are likely placing a huge <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-behaviour-leaves-antarctic-penguins-on-the-shelf-21849">strain on emperor penguin populations</a>, which is set to continue into the future. As areas suitable for emperor penguin breeding become scarcer it is becoming increasingly important to conserve areas known to support penguin populations. It’s clear that the Ross Sea was a critical area for emperor penguins in the past and this suggests it will provide an important refuge for breeding colonies in the future. This emphasises the need for careful protection of this vital part of the Antarctic ecosystem. A marine protected area, to protect roughly 1.34 million square kilometres of the Ross Sea from commercial fishing, was proposed by New Zealand and the United States at the last meeting of the <a href="https://www.ccamlr.org/">Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources</a> in October 2014. The proposal was rejected, but a Ross Sea marine park is likely to be on the agenda again at the 2015 meeting. Emperor penguins are remarkably hardy birds, surviving in one of the harshest environments on earth. However their reliance on a narrow range of suitable habitat highlights their fragility, and raises concern over their future in a world undergoing its most rapid environmental change in history.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/37800/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-younger-155783">Jane Younger</a>, PhD Candidate, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-miller-156382">Karen Miller</a>, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/genetics-reveal-antarctica-was-once-too-cold-for-penguins-37800">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

Internet’s favourite cartoonist is back with another confounding comic

Hungarian cartoonist Gergely Dudas, better known as Dudolf, is the internet’s favourite hide and seek cartoonist. He’s recently released a new puzzle that’s bound to confuse fans. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthedudolf%2Fphotos%2Fa.479677258800858%2F1935501856551717%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="644" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The question is simple: Find the penguin amongst the toucans. Are you able to guess where the penguin is? Scroll through our gallery above to see the result. However, upon further inspection, many fans were confused. The way Dudolf has drawn the birds makes it very hard to find the penguin. Fans of Dudolf have been commenting on the post saying how difficult it is. “Finally I found it but this one was more difficult than the others,” one fan commented. “Trickier but love these,” another fan wrote. A third agreed: “This one was tough!” It’s very hard to spot, as the beak is a slightly different shape and colour. After the success of Dodulf’s panda hidden amongst the snowmen comic, he produces puzzles for most major holidays as well as posting some tricky ones at random.

Mind

How do penguins stay warm in the freezing cold waters of Antarctica?

How can penguins and polar bears stay warm in the freezing cold waters of Antarctica? - Riley, age 8, Clarksville, Tennessee USA. Thanks for your question, Riley. The first thing I should probably say is that while a lot of people think polar bears and penguins live together, in fact they live at opposite ends of the Earth. Polar bears live in the northern hemisphere and penguins live in the southern hemisphere. I’m a penguin researcher so I’m going to explain here how penguins can stay warm in Antarctica. There are four species of penguins that live in Antarctica: emperors, gentoos, chinstraps, and Adélies. All these penguins have special adaptations to keep them warm, but emperor penguins might be the most extreme birds in the world. These amazing animals dive up to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/condor/article-abstract/97/2/536/5126161">500 metres</a> below the surface of the ocean to catch their prey, withstanding crushing pressures and water temperatures as low as <a href="https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/seaice/index.html">-1.8℃</a>. But their most incredible feat takes place not in the ocean, but on the sea ice above it. Surviving on the ice Emperor penguin chicks must hatch in spring so they can be ready to go to sea during the warmest time of year. For this timing to work, emperors gather in large groups on sea ice to begin their breeding in April, lay their eggs in May, and then the males protect the eggs for four months throughout the harsh Antarctic winter. It’s dark, windy, and cold. Air temperatures regularly fall below -30℃, and occasionally drop to -60℃ during blizzards. These temperatures could easily kill a human in minutes. But emperor penguins endure it, to give their chicks the best start in life. A body “too big” for its head Emperor penguins have four layers of overlapping feathers that provide excellent protection from wind, and thick layers of fat that trap heat inside the body. Have you ever noticed that an emperor penguin’s body looks too big for its head and feet? This is another adaptation to keep them warm. The first place that you feel cold is your hands and feet, because these parts are furthest from your main body and so lose heat easily. This is the same for penguins, so they have evolved a <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/653666">small beak</a>, small flippers, and small legs and feet, so that less heat can be lost from these areas. They also have specially arranged veins and arteries in these body parts, which helps recycle their body warmth. For example, in their <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1975.tb01398.x">nasal passages</a> (inside their noses), blood vessels are arranged so they can regain most of the heat that would be lost by breathing. Huddle time Male emperor penguins gather close together in big groups called “huddles” to minimise how much of their body surface is exposed to cold air while they are incubating eggs. This can cut heat loss in half and keep penguins’ core temperature at about <a href="https://www.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpregu.00912.2005">37℃</a> even while the air outside the huddle is below -30℃. The biggest huddles ever observed had about 5,000 penguins! Penguins take turns to be on the outer edge of the huddle, protecting those on the inside from the wind. Incredibly, during this four-month period of egg incubation the male penguins don’t eat anything and must rely on their existing fat stores. This long fast would be impossible unless they worked together. Changing habitats Emperor penguins are uniquely adapted to their Antarctic home. As temperatures rise and sea ice disappears, emperors will face new challenges. If it becomes too warm they will get heat-stressed, and if the sea ice vanishes they will have nowhere to breed. Sadly, these incredible animals may <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate2280">face extinction</a> in the future. The best thing we can do for emperor penguins is to <a href="https://theconversation.com/2040-hope-and-action-in-the-climate-crisis-117422">take action</a> on climate change now. Written by Jane Younger. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-how-can-penguins-stay-warm-in-the-freezing-cold-waters-of-antarctica-116831">The Conversation</a>.

Travel Tips

Scientists make huge discovery in penguin colony

Australian, French and Japanese scientists <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/03/cruise-experiences-everyone-needs-to-have-once/">working in East Antarctica</a> have made a huge discovery regarding the number of Adelie penguins in the region. Working across a region around 5000km in size, scientists used surveys, tagging data and images to estimate there are around <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/06/amputee-penguin-gets-new-prosthetic-foot/">six million birds</a> in the area. Previous estimates had suggested there were only 3.6 million inhabiting the region. Seabird ecologist Dr Louise Emmerson said, “Non-breeding birds are harder to count because they are out foraging at sea, rather than nesting in colonies on land. “However, our study in East Antarctica, has shown that non-breeding Adélie penguins may be as, or more, abundant than the breeders. “These birds are an important reservoir of future breeders and estimating their numbers ensures we better understand the entire population’s foraging needs.” How cute? Have you ever seen an <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/domestic-travel/2016/09/visiting-the-king-penguins-of-macquarie-island/">Adelie penguin in real life</a>? Credit: Australian Antarctic Division via Storyful

News

Oddball, the Warrnambool penguin protector, has died aged 15

One of Australia’s most famous – and hard-working – dogs ever, Oddball, the Maremma sheepdog employed to protect a penguin colony on Warrnambool’s Middle Island, has passed away at the age of 15 – or 105 in dog years. “Old Oddball has gone to the big chook run in the sky and will rest in peace,” the Middle Island Maremma Project posted on Facebook yesterday. Oddball was enlisted back in 2006 to protect the island’s fairy penguin colony from foxes, who had culled the population of the birds to less than 10 in 2005. While she only stayed on the island for three weeks before becoming lonely and swimming back to shore, her role as penguin protector inspired a new training program, teaching other Maremma dogs to follow in Oddball’s footsteps. And, in the ten years since the program began, the number of penguins has risen to an impressive 130. There are currently two dogs, Eudy and Tula, who spend five days a week during the penguins’ breeding season to protect the colony. For the last few years, Oddball has lived on her owner Allan “Swampy” Marsh’s farm in Dennington due to a heart condition which slowed her down. It was there where she peacefully passed away last week. Rest in peace, Oddball. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2017/02/man-stops-traffic-to-help-a-swan-get-back-home/">Man stops traffic to help a swan get back home</a> <a href="/news/news/2017/02/distracted-beagle-steals-hearts-at-westminster-dog-show/">Adorably distracted beagle steals hearts at Westminster Dog Show</a> <a href="/news/news/2017/02/students-raise-600-dollars-in-single-night-for-dogs-surgery/">Students raise $600 in a single night for dog’s surgery</a>

News

Visiting the king penguins of Macquarie Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Pacific Ocean, Macquarie Island is one of the most fascinating places on earth, and a big reason is the king penguins. As you can see in the video above, they’re fascinating creatures. A scientific base is the only human population (although it is occasionally visited in local tours), so the island’s king penguins can do as they so wish. To see them in their natural habitat check out the video above. We’re sure you’ll agree that they’re fascinating creatures. Have you ever seen penguins in the wild before? And if so, how did you find the experience? Share your stories in the comments! Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/03/endangered-animals-for-your-bucket-list/">8 endangered animal encounters to put on your bucket list</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/amputee-penguin-gets-new-prosthetic-foot/">Amputee penguin gets new prosthetic foot</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/08/10-best-bird-watching-spots-in-australia/">10 best bird watching spots in Australia</a>

International Travel

Amputee penguin gets new prosthetic foot

A penguin named Bagpipes had his foot amputated years ago after he was found back in 2007 with a fishing line wrapped around his leg. Bagpipes, who's currently under the care of the International Antarctic Centre, has been waddling around on his stump. Recently, his life changed for the better when he was fitted for a 3-D printed prosthetic foot. Senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury's mechanical engineering department Don Clucas, who is behind the prosthetic, designed and printed the prosthetic all for free. "It's designed to level him out a bit and make life a bit more comfortable for him," penguin keeper Mal Hackett said in an interview with Stuff.co.nz. “Hopefully the prosthetic will make Bagpipes' life a little easier.” Until now, the penguin, whose leg has been supported by foam beer bottle holders fitted around his foot, has experienced some trouble with infection. Now, the team at the centre is hoping that his new foot will alleviate his pain and help him learn how to walk and swim properly. Apparently, his trial run went “better than expected”. Watch the video above to see the heart-warming progress of little Bagpipes. Do you have an animal rescue story to share with us? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/funny-cat-commercials/">The funniest cat commercials ever</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2014/09/9-foods-you-should-never-feed-your-pet/">9 foods you should NEVER feed your pet</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/30-common-plants-that-are-harmful-to-pets/">30 common plants that are harmful to pets</a>

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Penguin swims 5,000 miles every year to reunite with 71-year-old man

When Joao Pereira de Souza, a 71-year-old part time fisherman, happened across a tiny penguin on his local beach just outside Rio de Janeiro Brazil, he thought all was lost. The penguin was covered in oil, and by all accounts close to death. But Joao was undeterred and over the course of a week diligently cleaned the oil off the penguin’s feathers. Joao also fed the bird fish to build strength, naming him Dindim. After Dindim seemed to improve Joao tried to release him back into sea, but the penguin wouldn’t leave. For 11 months the two lived together, thick as thieves. “He stayed with me for 11 months and then, just after he changed his coat with new feathers, he disappeared,” Joao told Globo TV. Then suddenly, after a few months away Dindim returned, amazingly spotting Joao on the beach. Dindim now spends around eight months a year with Joao and the remaining time breeding off the coast of Argentina and Chile, a distance of 5,000 miles! "I love the penguin like it’s my own child and I believe the penguin loves me," Joao told Globo TV. "No one is allowed to touch him. He pecks them if they do. He lays on my lap, lets me give him showers, allows me to feed him sardines and to pick him up." Video credit: YouTube / Globo TV Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/03/couple-give-60-million-lottery-away/">Couple gives $60 million lottery win away</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/03/find-letter-t-image-puzzle/">Can you find the letter “T” in this image?</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/03/stunning-images-antarctica-remote-beauty/">Stunning images of Antarctica’s remote beauty</a>

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Cookie the penguin loves to be tickled

Well isn’t that funny – it turns out penguins are just as ticklish as humans. Cookie the penguin is the mascot of the Zoo Bird House at the Cincinnati Zoo. In this video one of Cookie’s handlers tickles him and he squeals in excitement! Watch Cookie’s adorable reaction in this video. Video credit: YouTube / Patricia Sund Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/02/pebble-the-cockatoo-cant-stop-laughing/">Pebble the cockatoo is back and in a silly mood</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/bella-the-rottweiler-loves-her-trampoline/">Bella the Rottweiler loves her trampoline</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/02/favourite-male-actors-from-70s/">Male actors from the 70s: then and now</a>

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Zoo names baby penguin after David Bowie

As tributes continue to flow following the tragic passing of David Bowie, a zoo has figured out a unique way to pay homage to one of pop music’s biggest icons. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13732/david-bowie-hero_498x245.jpg" alt="David Bowie Hero" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Keepers at Cincinnati Zoo have named their first baby animal for 2016, a fairy penguin who weighs 50 grams, has been named “Bowie” after the alt-rock star. Bowie the penguin was born on January 8, which just so happens to be David Bowie’s birthday. <img width="499" height="665" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/13730/bowie-penguiin-two_499x665.jpg" alt="Bowie Penguiin Two" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> While they don’t bear much of a resemblance, we think it’s quite a touching tribute! Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/01/man-gives-shivering-stranger-the-shirt-off-his-back/">Man gives shivering stranger the shirt off his back</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/eat-like-an-okinawan-and-live-until-100/">Eat like an Okinawan and live until you’re 100</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/one-day-old-otter-pup-falls-asleep-on-floating-mum/">One-day-old otter pup falls asleep on floating mum</a>

News

Meet “Penguin” the magpie who thinks he’s human

While most families have a cat or dog, the Bloom family from Sydney’s northern beaches has a pet magpie. Named “Penguin” simply because of her black and white colourings, the magpie is often found snuggling in bed, dining with the family or helping the kids get ready for school. Parents Cameron and Sam, along with their three children, adopted Penguin in 2013 after young son Noah found her abandoned on the ground. She was only a few weeks old but thanks to the love and dedication of the Bloom family, Penguin is healthier and happier than ever. “The kids love her like a pet dog and it's just become so normal having her around,” Mr Bloom said. “She likes to sing for us when she's around the house and likes to fly onto your head or sit next to you and nibble on your ear. She also runs down the hallway in the morning sometimes to snuggle up in bed with us or the kids,” he continued. “She flaps her wings with excitement when the kids come home from school and loves to eat with us as well. She usually has some of our scraps but sometimes when we have spaghetti, she's cheeky and dives into to grab some of the meat off the table.” “The joy she's bought to all our lives has been immeasurable,” he said. Image credit: <a href="https://instagram.com/penguinthemagpie/">Penguinthemagpie Instagram</a> Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/03/red-pandas-in-snow/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/09/dogs-make-the-best-companions/">8 reasons why dogs are the bee’s knees</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/03/red-pandas-in-snow/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/08/signs-your-pet-is-sick/">10 signs your pet is sick</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/03/red-pandas-in-snow/"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/cats-are-like-psychopaths-gallery/">11 ways cats are like “psychopaths”</a></a>

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Visiting the king penguins of Macquarie Island

Amputee penguin gets new prosthetic foot

Penguin swims 5,000 miles every year to reunite with 71-year-old man

Cookie the penguin loves to be tickled

Zoo names baby penguin after David Bowie

Meet “Penguin” the magpie who thinks he’s human