GALLERY: Birds | Dogs| Wildlife
The Emperor penguin is the largest of the penguin species measuring around 4 feet tall and can weigh up to 90 pounds. It makes its home all around the coasts of Antarctica diving into the depts of the arctic waters to a depth of 1.800 feet. Being able to make such deep dives it is no wonder that it can hold its breath for over 20 minutes.
One of the most facinating things I find about these flightless birds is their cooperation with one another, to conserve warmth and shield themselves from the wind they huddle together taking turns moving to the warmest spot in the center of the huddle.
I'm sure everyone agrees that penguins are interesting to watch, they look so elegant in their "tuxedo" yet comical as they wobble their way to their destination. This digital painting was inspired by the movie "March Of The Penguins". The movie was quite moving not only seeing the harsh conditions Emperor penguins need to endure but also the warmth and compassion that seems to exist among them. It's that warmth and compassion I wished to convey through this illustration.
Penguin Gifts
In addition to prints, my penguin art can also be purchased on a variety of products that make nice gifts for animal and nature lovers such as keychains, pillows, keepsake boxes and jigsaw puzzles from Zazzle
Penguin Facts
- There are 17 known species of penguins
- the Little Blue penguin of Australia is one the smallest
- the rarest of the species is the Yellow Eyed penguin of New Zealand
- all penguins live in the southern hemisphere
- a group of penguins is called a colony
- they can swim as fast as 20 miles per hour
- the lifespan of penguins is 15-20 years, sometimes even longer
- penguins can see better underwater than on land
Only the Emperor and the Adelie penguins are restricted to Antarctica, other species are found in South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.