The largest of the penguin species, Emperor Penguins can stand 4 feet high and weigh 100 pounds. Females lay a single egg during the coldest part of the year, and then leave for the sea. The father stays behind and carries the egg on the top of his feet under a flap of skin to keep it warm . The mother returns just as the egg is ready to hatch and both parents bring food to the chick. Penguin populations are dropping because their food supply is growing smaller. Oil spills from tankers have also hurt the penguins.
© 1997 E Patrol Foundation