Penguins aren’t just adorable, tuxedo-wearing birds. From their quirky behaviors to their incredible survival skills, penguins are fascinating creatures that both kids and adults can enjoy learning about. Whether you’re planning a themed party, teaching your kids about wildlife, or just love trivia, these penguin facts are guaranteed to make you smile, as well as these Penguin Marshmallow Treats.
Fun Facts About Penguins
Not All Penguins Live in the Cold
While many of us picture penguins sliding on Antarctic ice, some species actually live in warm climates. For example, the Galápagos penguin lives near the equator!
They’re Amazing Swimmers
Penguins can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour underwater. Their wings act more like flippers, helping them “fly” through the water with grace.
Penguin Proposals
Male Gentoo penguins often woo their mates with a pebble. If the female accepts it, they become a couple! It’s like nature’s version of an engagement ring.
Built-In Sunglasses
Penguins have special glands above their eyes that help filter excess salt from the water they swallow, almost like their own natural water purifier.
Family-Oriented Birds
Emperor penguin dads are famously dedicated. They balance eggs on their feet under a flap of skin to keep them warm through the harsh winter until the chicks hatch.
Penguin “Highways”
In snowy colonies, penguins create little pathways in the snow that they use like roads to move back and forth between the sea and their nests.
Unique Voices
Penguins all sound different. Each has a unique call so mates and chicks can recognize each other in the middle of a noisy colony.
Now that you’ve discovered some fantastic penguin trivia, why not bring the fun into your kitchen? This adorable penguin-inspired recipe will make your day even more delightful.
Penguin Marshmallow Treats
Ingredients
- 1 bag jumbo marshmallows
- 1 bag chocolate melting wafers
- 1 pkg small edible eyes
- 2 boxes mike and Ike’s
Instructions
- Using a double boiler, melt your chocolate.
- Take a marshmallow and using your fingers dip the marshmallow into the chocolate about 1/4 of the way.
- Turn the marshmallow to the side and dip into the chocolate about 1/4 of the way
- Repeat with the other side and make sure you don’t dip too far into the chocolate. You want to make sure there is a square of marshmallow that isn’t dipped for the penguin's tummy.
- Lightly shake the marshmallow so that excess chocolate can fall off.
- Place marshmallows onto the parchment paper.
- Repeat steps until most of the chocolate has been used
- Place penguins into the fridge for about 10 minutes
- Once they have hardened, pull them out.
- Dip a toothpick into the remaining chocolate.
- Dap the toothpick onto the back of the edible eye to act as a glue.
- Place the eye onto the middle part of the chocolate that acts as the penguins forehead.
- Repeat steps with the second eye.
- Take an orange mike and Ike and cut the bottom part off.
- Dip the bottom of the top of the mike and Ike into the chocolate and place under the eyes on the penguins
- Repeat steps for remaining penguins.
- Once done, place back into the fridge for another 10 minuets before enjoying
Nutrition
Penguins are not only fascinating to watch, but they also remind us of the beauty and resilience of wildlife. From their quirky love rituals to their ability to thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth, these birds are worth celebrating. Whether you’re reading fun facts or whipping up a themed recipe, penguins are sure to add a touch of joy to your day.