Penguins are flippers down the best animal
As a kid, I was absolutely enamored with the zoo. Going there allowed me to see animals up close that I wouldn’t otherwise see. I had seen countless squirrels in my backyard, but it was only at the zoo that I could see large predators like tigers and alligators. While it’s easy to get sucked into the spectacle of the ferocious beasts, the best animal there is undoubtedly that of the penguin. Cute and cuddly, the penguin has been a staple in the zoo business for a long time.
First of all, their adorable looks seal the deal. There are many different species of penguins and they are all different sizes and have their own unique features. On the small end of the spectrum is the properly titled “little penguin,” or Eudyptula minor. The little guys stand at a mere 12-13 inches in height and weigh about the same as a human adult brain; They are the perfect size for swaddling and holding in your hands. On the other end of the spectrum is the biggest penguin: the emperor penguin, scientifically known as Aptenodytes forsteri. With the adults standing over three feet tall, these birds are native to Antarctica and weigh 51 pounds on average, making them the chunkiest of all species. Personally, I would say that they are perfectly hug-sized—even if you shouldn't.
Secondly, penguins are not hostile towards humans. Given that they do not have any major land predators, penguins have no reason to see humans as a threat. While hugging them is ill-advised, a quick pet is not harmful or stressful for our feathered friends. Sadly, penguins don’t show any sign of emotional connection towards humans, positive or negative. This means that the events of Mr. Popper’s Penguins are extremely unlikely.
People often look down on penguins and say things like, “they can’t even fly.” Well, they don’t need to. Penguins are so cool that they adapted to an aquatic lifestyle as a means to find food. They are designed perfectly for swimming, with their webbed feet and flippers that move in an incredibly aerodynamic way. They are also expertly crafted to survive their often native cold temperatures, with huge fat supplies, heavy muscles, and densely packed feathers. In the event that the weather is too cold—even for them—penguins will huddle together and travel in a blob of black and white.
Lastly, they’re just like us. As some may know, penguins essentially propose to one another with pebbles. They will present a possible mate with stones in an attempt to impress their desired mate, much like humans gifting large diamond jewelry to a significant other. Most impressively, though, they have developed a communication system because they, unfortunately, can’t use cell phones (yet). The males will often travel long distances during the year, but almost always seem to return to their mate. How is this possible? Well, it’s quite interesting. Before they begin their venture, mates will establish a distinct call that they will repeat upon their return to find their awaiting partners. It is an extremely complex system that few species have learned to use.
With their tuxedo-like appearance and gentle demeanor, penguins are nearly impossible to dislike. I understand why someone may not love them as much as I do, but it is hard to deny how interesting they are. Their looks, personalities, and most importantly, waddle, make them the best animal to ever roam the earth and the highlight of any zoo that showcases them.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons