Cool Facts
Second Largest Penguin. King penguins are huge compared to most penguins, but they're still smaller than their cousins, the emperor penguins. They can grow up to 28 inches tall and weigh as much as 35 pounds.
Deep Ocean Hunters. King penguins are incredible divers that can plunge deeper than 1,000 feet below the ocean surface to hunt for lanternfish and other small fish. They can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes while searching for food.
Live in the Far South. King penguins live on islands near Antarctica, including South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, where it's cold and windy but not quite as freezing as the emperor penguin's home.
Long Family Bonds. King penguin chicks take a very long time to grow up, sometimes staying with their parents for over a year. This means parents can only raise two chicks every three years.
Orange and Black Style. King penguins have striking golden-orange patches on their ears, neck, and upper legs that make them look dressed up for a fancy party.