Penguin Awareness Day 2025: 8 fun facts you didn’t know about penguins

Did you know that penguins are much more than just adorable, waddling birds? Celebrated every January 20th, Penguin Awareness Day gives us the perfect opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of these chilly creatures. Whether they’re gliding through icy waters or keeping their families close, penguins have some surprising abilities that make them truly unique. From built-in sunglasses to their playful antics, join us as we explore 8 fun facts about penguins that might just change the way you see these remarkable birds!

They have built-in sunglasses

Penguins live in snowy and sunny regions, which means lots of glare. Luckily, they have a special gland near their eyes to filter out excess salt from seawater and even help reduce the sun’s glare—like wearing natural sunglasses!

Penguin’s tummy is always warm

Penguins have a thick layer of fat under their skin, which keeps them insulated from the cold. This blubber helps them retain body heat, but did you know that their tummies are usually warmer than their surroundings? It’s like wearing a warm thermal vest, even in freezing temperatures.

Penguins can “fly” underwater

When penguins dive into the water, they seem to be “flying” underwater. Their flippers, adapted for swimming, act as wings, and they zip through the water much like a bird soars through the sky.

Penguins have built-in antifreeze

Penguins are well-equipped for life in the cold. Their blood contains antifreeze proteins that help prevent their blood from freezing in sub-zero temperatures. This keeps their body systems running smoothly even in freezing waters.

Penguins’ knees are hidden!

While we typically think of penguins as having stubby legs, they actually have knees! The problem is, their knees are hidden under their feathers and tucked close to their bodies. So, although they waddle, their legs are actually long, but mostly covered by their bodies.

Their black-and-white coats are more than just stylish

The tuxedo-like appearance of penguins is a clever camouflage. From above, their dark backs blend with the ocean depths; from below, their white bellies match the bright surface of the water.

Penguins play games!

In their colonies, penguins engage in social behaviors that seem like games. For instance, some penguins will push rocks or even each other around in playful interactions. They’ve been observed engaging in “tug-of-war” with pebbles and sliding races.