TOP 10
OLYMPIC SWIMMERS
The world's fastest underwater
birds, Gentoo penguins can swim
up to 20 miles per hour and
dive to depths of over 600 feet.
Penguins lost the ability to fly
millions of years ago, but their
wings evolved into flippers that
help them zip through the water.
LEAPING FOR JOY
Like porpoises, penguins
leap in shallow arcs above
the surface of the water.
When they do this, tiny
bubbles cover their feathers
which reduces friction when they
swim. Leaping out of the water also
helps them escape predators. But the
general view is that, just like porpoises,
penguins leap for joy.
WHY WALK WHEN YOU
CAN WADDLE?
Penguins' legs are not especially
short, so why do they waddle?
Scientists believe it is because
their legs have evolved to help
them swim better, and are now
set further back on the body. is
makes it harder for them to
walk, and easier to waddle.
Fascinating and frequently funny, we've rounded up our ten
favourite facts about the wildlife stars of Antarctica
PENGUIN FACTS
DRINKING SALTY WATER
Because most penguins live in places
where there is little or no fresh water, and
because they eat so much seafood, they
need to expel the high amount of salt in
their diet. They do this through a gland
located just above their eye, which filters
the salt from their bloodstream. The salt
is then expelled through the bill,
or by sneezing!
82
VIKING
