King Penguinキングペンギン

Aptenodytes patagonicusLC— Least Concern

The king penguin is the second-largest living penguin species, breeding in dense colonies on subantarctic islands across the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It feeds mainly on lanternfish and squid, diving to depths of over 300 meters, and has an unusually long breeding cycle that lets pairs raise only about two chicks every three years. Although currently listed as Least Concern with a growing population, climate change is projected to threaten many of its breeding grounds by the end of the century.

King Penguin (reference photo)
Photo: Liam Quinn from Canada / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Sphenisciformes / Spheniscidae Source
Size
Total length 85–95 cm (the second-largest living penguin after the emperor penguin)
Weight
10–16 kg
Lifespan
One individual lived 39 years 9 months in captivity
Diet
Piscivore Prefers fish such as lanternfish but also eats squid; consumes 3.2–3.6 kg a day during the breeding season
Distribution
Breeds on subantarctic islands between roughly 45–55°S, including South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island. Source
Sources
ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

  • During winter, when parental feeding drops sharply, chicks huddle together in groups called crèches to conserve body heat. Source
  • King penguins can dive over 300 meters deep, with one recorded dive reaching 343 meters. Source
  • Its breeding cycle lasts 14–16 months, so pairs typically raise chicks only about twice every three years. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 10

How to tell Penguins apart →

Nagasakipengin SuizokukanNagasakiOpened in 2001

Source

Adventure WorldWakayamaOpened in 1978

Source

Asahiyama ZooHokkaidoOpened in 1967

Source

Osaka Aquarium KaiyukanOsakaOpened in 1990

Source

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea ParadiseKanagawaThe nearest station is Hakkeijima Station on the Seaside Line (connecting from Kanazawa-Hakkei Station on the Keikyu Line or Shin-Sugita Station on the JR Negishi Line).

Source

Echizen Matsushima AquariumFukuiOpened in 1959

Source

Shimoda AquariumShizuokaOpened in 1967

Source

Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi PrefectureKochiA 20-minute walk or 13-minute rental-bicycle ride from Noichi Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line.

Source

Kinosaki Marine WorldHyogoAbout 10 minutes by Zentan Bus from JR Kinosaki-Onsen Station; get off at the Hiyoriyama (Marine World) bus stop.

Source

Shimane Aquarium AQUASShimaneAbout 12 minutes on foot from JR Hashi Station (2 hours 23 minutes from JR Matsue Station to JR Hashi Station; 1 hour 24 minutes from JR Masuda Station).

Source

Former facilities

Shima MarinelandMieOpened in 1970

Source

Closed: 2021-03-31 Official Site

Latest news

3

Open the news index

Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit
A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving
Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei
Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

How deep can king penguins dive?
They can dive more than 300 meters, with one recorded dive reaching 343 meters. Source
How often do king penguins breed?
Their breeding cycle lasts 14–16 months, so pairs typically raise chicks only about twice every three years. Source
Are king penguins endangered?
They are currently listed as Least Concern with an increasing population, though climate change is expected to threaten many breeding sites by 2100. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 10 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org