The chick is covered by downy feathers that are slowly replaced by mature ones. It eats partially digested food fed to it by its parents. When young penguins are old enough, they leave the colony and learn to feed themselves at sea. Penguins usually choose a mate and a nesting site close to where they were born. Though penguins sometimes travel thousands of miles or kilometers from their nesting place, they are able to return to their exact birthplace.
Scientists believe penguins can navigate using the sun, stars, and geographical landmarks.
Some penguins kept in zoos have lived for more than 30 years. But in the wild, most species have a life span of about 20 years. Penguins are one of the oldest groups of birds. They have lived separately from land mammals, including human beings, for millions of years. Penguin populations are easily disturbed by human activity.