Today is Penguin Awareness Day. Yes, it was news to the Press and Journal offices too.
There’s no profound historical reason as to why this date exists. It is merely a day for celebrating the cute black and white animals.
Found in Antarctica, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, the Falkland Islands, and the Galapagos Islands, the exotic animals make incredible parents and are reported as excellent at hiding from scary predators.
So to honour them as the day intends, here are 11 reasons why penguins are truly awesome.
1) They aren’t the least bit scared of humans
Just look how forthcoming they are!
2) They can’t fly, but they can jump seven feet into the air
A skill that no doubt comes in handy when catching fish.
3) And they can dive as deep as 1,870 feet
Impressive.
4) They make good parents
Just look at how much this one loves its offspring!
5) Baby penguins are adorable
We doubt the scales even tipped here.
6) Even more adorably, they fit in the palm of your hand
We hope these little ones avoided the long pink nails…
7) They believe all penguins are part of the family, no matter what shape, size or skin type
Bless.
8) Like us, they love the snow
A snowman made this penguin at Blair Drummond feel right at home.
9) They inspire fantastic fancy dress outfits
The likeness is uncanny!
10) They are smart when it comes to escaping predators
Penguins are practically immune to swimmers above them as their back blacks blend with the colours of the ocean.
Genius.
11) They make the best companions
Or so John Lewis would have us believe…