Gentoo Penguin

The Gentoo Penguin is the most abundant pinguin species in the sub-Arctic area. At average the Gentoo Penguin reaches a length of about 80 centimeters and a weight of around 5 kg. Each animal has a white band on its head, reaching from one eye to the other. The beak is bright orange. This penguin is the fastest swimmer of its kind. It can reach a speed of around 36 km/h.

The breeding colonies seldom consist of more than a hundred pairs. When the group starts growing too big it will split into two. A pair of Gentoo Penguins will lay two eggs. After an incubation period of around 34 days the egg hatches. When there is enough food available both chicks can survice. Both parents are concerned with feeding the chicks. The feed in the waters around the breeding colonies so that they can feed their chicks regularly during the day.

On land the adult animals have no enemies. This is not the same for the eggs or the young, as gulls and other birds try to attack the eggs and the young chicks. At see also the adult has predators like sea lions, the leopard seal and orcas.