Most people can identify penguins, but they know little about them. Worldwide, 18 species of penguins span the coastal forests of South America to the island groups of New Zealand and the subantarctic regions. This beautiful species, while maintaining its characteristic tuxedo-like appearance, has distinct features that distinguish one from the other. There are the world's rarest yellow-eyed penguins and the regal emperor penguins; the macaroni penguins with their crested feathers; the blue penguins with a coat of blue tinge and the honor of being the smallest species.

Sadly, almost 55% of these charismatic birds are globally threatened. BirdLife International has listed 10 penguin species as either vulnerable or endangered on the IUCN Red List, making penguins the second-most threatened bird group in the world after the albatross.

According to the organization, the most imminent danger to penguins is the rapidly changing oceanic conditions owing to climate change. As ice caps melt and sea levels rise, the survival of penguins would be possible for only those species that rapidly adapt to new habitats and can breed despite evolving conditions.

Additionally, the threat of oil spills might destroy entire colonies and affect generations. As commercial fisheries exploit the same locations where the penguins find their prey, the threat of the birds running out of their sardines and anchovies only becomes greater each day.

Join us in supporting those organizations that study and try to save penguins.