11 Penguin Photos to Instantly Brighten Your Day

If you’re anything like us, you might be wondering why World Penguin Day isn’t every day

From their charmingly awkward waddles to their heartwarming displays of affection in parenting, there are countless things to love about our ocean’s precious penguins. However, there are more species of penguins that grace our blue planet than you may realize! I’ve gathered photos of these species to bring a bit of penguin joy to your day. Take a look and then waddle on over to our quiz to test your knowledge about these flightless birds!

Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)

IUCN Status: Least concern

Drew Spacht - Adelie Penguin
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African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

IUCN Population Status: Endangered

African Penguin Chicks - David Taube
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Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Chinstrap Penguin - Marian Hertz
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Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)

IUCN Population Status: Near Threatened

Public Domain - Pixabay2
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Erect-crested Penguin (Eudyptes sclateri)

IUCN Status: Endangered

Kimberly Collins
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Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua)

IUCN Population Status: Least Concern

Gentoo Penguin Chicks - Sue Spielman
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King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

King Penguin - Marian Hertz
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Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus)

IUCN Population Status: Vulnerable

Marian Herz - Macaroni Penguin
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Magellanic Penguin  (Spheniscus magellanicus)

IUCN Population Status: Near Threatened

Magellan Penguin - Barbara Shively
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Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)

IUCN Population Status: Vulnerable

project penguins
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Royal Penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli)

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

Royal Penguins - Marian Herz
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And there you have it, folks: 11 of the most astoundingly adorable penguin species that call our blue planet home. Ready to test your knowledge on these wonderful winged animals?

Take our trivia quiz to find out how much you really know!

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