This Penguin That’s Sure to Waddle Into Your Heart!
Activity best for children ages three and up

Welcome to Antarctica, the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth! Think of it like a frozen desert. Antarctica is covered in ice, and holds 70% of the world’s fresh water in massive ice sheets. This extreme cold and harsh climate makes it a challenging place for life. Luckily the animals that live in Antarctica have adaptations that help them survive in these extreme conditions. Thick fur and blubber insulate the body to keep them warm, camouflaged feathers/fur help them blend in with the snow, countercurrent heat exchange helps maintain body temperature, and for some, salt-filtering glands help them filter out salt allowing them to stay hydrated. Penguins have feathers that are densely packed and waterproof, providing insulation from wind and water. They also huddle in large groups to share body heat, staying warm as they take turns moving to the center. Now that we’ve learned about this amazing creature, let’s make our own penguin!