Penguin Reproduction

Penguins reach sexual maturity after approximately 3-8 years. Breeding season occurs from the Southern hemisphere's spring through summer period. Emperor penguins breed annually during the antarctic winter.

Both parents take turns incubating the egg. The incubation period lasts from 4 weeks (Erect-Crested penguins) to 66 days (Emperor penguins). Chicks first occur by poking a small hole in the egg and they require attentive parents for survival. Once a chick has fledged, it is able to swim and becomes independent of its parents.