Animal Guide

King Penguin

13 destinations · 11 states

Native Range: Subantarctic islands and southern oceans

King penguins have an unmistakable upright stance, but their most interesting moments often happen when they start moving. At an aquarium, watch one slip into the water and transform from a slightly awkward waddler into a fast, streamlined swimmer. Powerful flipper strokes propel the bird forward, while its feet help with quick turns and direction changes. On land, king penguins gather closely together, preen their feathers, and call to one another with distinctive vocalizations. Their tall bodies and vivid orange-yellow patches around the neck and ears make them easy to pick out in a group. Unlike emperor penguins, king penguins breed on ice-free subantarctic islands and do not build nests. Instead, adults balance a single egg on their feet and cover it with a fold of skin. Native to the subantarctic islands and southern oceans, they spend much of their time at sea hunting fish and squid. Seeing one dive and accelerate underwater gives a completely different impression of this elegant, upright penguin.

King Penguin

Where to see King Penguin

13 destinations across 11 states

13 destinations

ABQ BioPark Zoo

Albuquerque, NM

Central Park Zoo

New York, NY

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH

Detroit Zoo

Royal Oak, MI

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Kansas City, MO

Moody Gardens

Galveston, TX

Newport Aquarium

Newport, KY

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha, NE

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Columbia, SC

Saint Louis Zoo

St. Louis, MO

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

SeaWorld San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

SeaWorld San Diego

San Diego, CA

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