Since it is almost March and we are still experiencing awfully cold, unbearable weather, I figured I'd keep the theme consistent. The baby animal of the week is the Emperor Penguin!
These penguins endure long winters in Antarctica on open ice and breed during these harsh seasons. The mama will lay only one egg and leave it behind to go on a hunting trip that can last for up to 2 months. Meanwhile, the little egg is kept warm by the daddy. The male penguins protect the eggs by balancing them on their feet and covering them with feathered skin. They go the entire 2 months without eating and dedicate themselves to their little ones.The mama penguins return with a belly full of food that they regurgitate to feed their newly hatched chicks. This gives the male penguins an opportunity to find some food of their own.
Emperor chicks are cared for by their mothers and grow to be the largest penguin species (45 inches tall). They have learned to adapt and have formed behaviors that allow them to deal with the incredible winds and cold temperatures (can reach -76 degrees). In order to escape these conditions, they huddle together and conserve warmth. These penguins have a system; once a penguin is warmed up, it will move to the outside of the group so that others can get protection for the freezing weather.
Maybe we should adopt some of the penguins' ways?! No, you don't want to hang out in the quad and huddle together with fellow Bradley students? Well, we might be more similar to penguins than we think! Check out this video of a little guy being tickled.
Penguins used to be my favorite animal, and I might have to say they still are. I love penguins! When I was younger, I brought one of my two stuffed animal penguins to class as a show and tell. They're both still in my room somewhere. My first science fair project in 3rd grade was about penguins.
ReplyDeleteYour suggestion of huddling in the quad could be a good way to stay warm over this hopefully last stretch of ridiculous weather.