Life Cycle

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The Emperor Penguins can mate when 4 years old and they mate on the Antarctic sea ice in winter and face the most harsh condition of any bird species. Emperor Penguins are the only penguins that lay eggs in late winter (May, June). They can even live in -60°C.

200.000 pairs mate every year and about 35 colonies spread out along the Antarctic coast. The mating cycle lasts nine months.

After the female lays one egg she goes to the sea to look for food. To keep the egg warm, the male sits on it for 72 days. The male puts a thick layer of skin on the egg to keep it warm. Once the egg hatches, the male feeds it milk when it’s hungry. He looses half his weight during this time. After the egg hatches, the female comes to take care of chick . For two months the chicks stay in their mother’s brood pouch, if they fall out, they freeze to death. In a few weeks the male returns, and helps take care of chick.                    
 



   After 7 weeks, bigger chicks form groups and cuddle to keep warm. They are still fed by their parents. Chicks recognize their parents by the sound of their call.   The chicks are grown in 6 months which is winter in Antarctica. Because of their size it takes longer to raise their chicks, that is why they breed in winter.      


Emperor Penguins die when they are about 20 years old.