Emperor Penguin

== Roleplays that feature this creature ==
Antarctica
== Other info ==
After the egg is laid, the mother moves the egg into the father's brooding pouch, and he incubates it alone while the mother goes on a 2 month long fishing trip with all the other mothers. 
The process of moving the egg into the father's brooding pouch can be awkward, difficult and even dangerous for the egg. Many couples, especially first-time parents, will drop or crack the egg in the process, which leads to very quick death of the chick inside. If this happens, the relationship will usually end.
Once the mothers return from their fishing trip, they will find their mate and chick by calling to them. Once the mother reunites with her mate and meets her chick for the first time, she will usually take over caring for the chick. Fathers are often reluctant to allow the mother to take over, but will almost always give in, as it is expected of them to.
The fathers will then go on a 3-4 week long fishing trip while the mothers care for their chicks. Once the fathers come back, the mother and father will keep taking turns fishing and caring for their chick. If a parent fails to return to the colony after the fishing trip is over, often because they have died, then there will be no hope for the chick unless they are adopted by another penguin couple who have lost their chick, as both mom and dad are vital to the chick's survival until they can feed themselves.
Once a chick is about 1-2 months old, they will usually form or join a creche and are guarded by adult penguins who took up the job of Creche Guardian while their parents gather fish for themselves and their chick.
At the age of 1 year, chicks will leave their parents, molt into their adult feathers and enter the water for the first time.
Category:Animal Pages