DiscoverScience on Player FMWhy penguins are one of the planet’s most unique bird species - Instant Genius
Why penguins are one of the planet’s most unique bird species - Instant Genius

Why penguins are one of the planet’s most unique bird species - Instant Genius

Update: 2025-09-14
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Thanks to their comical waddle-like way of walking, striking tuxedo-patterned plumage or graceful ability to seemingly ‘fly’ beneath the water, penguins are without doubt one of the planet’s most instantly recognisable animals. But the fact is that they are also one of its most endangered species of bird.


In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Peter Fretwell, lead scientist at the British Antarctic Survey, to talk about his latest book The Penguin Book of Penguins – An Expert’s Guide to the World’s Most Beloved Bird.


He tells us how, despite popular belief, penguins are found all over the globe, not just in Antarctica, why exactly they have such a comical way of walking and the actions we need to take if we want to save these charismatic birds from extinction.

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Why penguins are one of the planet’s most unique bird species - Instant Genius

Why penguins are one of the planet’s most unique bird species - Instant Genius