Penguins are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to hunt or eat them in the United States. This act was put into place in 1918 in order to protect a variety of birds that were being hunted for their feathers. While penguins are not typically hunted for their feathers, they are still protected under this act. Penguins are also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to hunt or eat them in the United States.