I Wonder…What Makes Penguin Cove so Cool?

Published July 1, 2025

The chilly breeze and icy atmosphere of our Penguin Cove exhibit, combined with a visit from some adorable gentoo penguins, may be the perfect escape from the summer heat.  

The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a flagship species of the Antarctic Peninsula, standing tall as the third largest penguin in the world, only behind the regal emperor and king penguins. Gentoos can grow up to 35 inches tall and weigh nearly 20 pounds. They’re easily distinguishable by their bright red-orange bills and brush-like tail that sweeps side to side when they walk.  

A gentoo penguin’s appearance can also give you an idea about how old they may be. If you look closely at their feet, you’ll notice younger gentoos’ feet will have a bright orange hue that fades to white as they grow older. This can be seen with our oldest penguin here at Wonders of Wildlife, Reese! While most gentoos live for roughly 25 years in captivity, Reese has defied the odds and just recently turned 32 years old, charming thousands of guests over the years! 

The number of gentoos in the wild has fluctuated over the last couple decades. In the early 2000s, their population dropped to roughly 600,000. This dip was enough for gentoo penguins to be classified as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list of Threatened Species in 2004.  

However, as of 2016, the gentoo penguin has been re-classified by the IUCN as stable and of least concern with an estimated wild population of 774,000. This surge in numbers can be attributed to strong conservation efforts, outlawing the hunting of these penguins and the collection of their eggs. 

What gentoos are known best for is their extreme swimming capabilities. These penguins are actually the world’s fastest underwater birds, topping out at speeds of roughly 22 miles per hour while being able to dive down to depths over 650 feet.  

Gentoos are also some of the most romantic animals in the world. Young males will present a single female with a gift, a polished stone. If she accepts this gift, she will respond by giving the male a stone of her own. Together, the two lovebirds will build up their rock collection until a perfect nest is built. Partnered penguins are also known to bow to each other out of respect and gratitude, especially over the nest they built together. Our Cornelia is a prime example of the love and friendliness gentoos are capable of, known for shadowing close behind the keepers while they clean and tend to the exhibit. 

Another fascinating thing about penguins is that they can all drink salt water! This is all thanks to an organ that sits right behind their eyes called the supraorbital gland. This gland allows penguins to naturally filter out any salt from the water they drink, sending the now fresh water throughout their body while the salt is filtered out through their nostrils. You’ll commonly see penguins remove this salt by what appears to be sneezing. 

While gentoos primarily prey on small crustaceans, fish, and squid native to the Antarctic Peninsula, they are opportunistic hunters. Their diets will change according to whatever environment they find themselves in. Just ask Maverick and Snickerdoodle, two of our male gentoos who will always make sure to let you know when they’re hungry! 

To learn more about our gentoo penguins, come join us for our Penguin Encounter! Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and temperature of their natural environment. Your total Penguin Encounter experience will last 30-45 minutes with 15 minutes inside Penguin Cove. And don’t forget, Wonders of Wildlife members receive a discount on all Wonders of Wildlife tours and encounters!

Get your tickets online HERE!