I realize it is only October but since there is still snow on the ground in the Yukon Territory, I want to make all of you experience the cold wintery weather.  I hope you brought your winter boots and your parka because we are taking a trip to Antarctica.  The good news though is we are learning about the Rockhopper Penguin so today’s fact is bound to put a smile on your face.  For some reason, I find penguins always put me in a good mood. I made sure to find the most interesting facts to distract you from the shivering and frostbite.

The Rockhopper Penguin gets its name since it prefers to hop over rocks to move around as opposed to the famous belly slide other penguins utilize.  I am not kidding, these little penguins enjoy jumping over rocks.  Maybe it is like a good ol’ fashion game of leap frog for them.  These rock-hurdling penguins are only about 45 – 58 cm (18 – 23″) tall and can weigh up to 5 kg (11 lbs).  Is anyone else trying to picture a little penguin jumping over  a rock? Normally, I wait until the end of the post for the videos but here is a quick 30 second clip of the penguins hopping around.  I am telling you, I could watch penguins all day.

Now that we have an idea how these little guys move, lets find out what they eat.  The Rockhopper Penguin primarily feeds on crustaceans such as krill, however, they will also feed on small fish and occasionally squid.  You may have noticed that their food comes from the ocean.  I guess that means they don’t spend their entire day bouncing around from rock to rock.  In fact the Rockhopper Penguin is an incredible swimmer using their streamlined body, webbed feet and strong flippers to cut through the water.

Although they are great at swimming the Rockhopper Penguin is much safer on land.  They have no natural land based predators, however, they have to brave the dangerous ocean waters to get their food.  Once they are in the watery world they need to be on the lookout for sharks, killer whales and of course leopard seals.  These penguins are brave and will usually spend the entire winter out at sea.  They usually only hit the rocky cliffs once the mating season comes around.  You would think it would be smarter to just hang out on the cliffs all year and make your little brother venture out to the ocean to find food for you.  I guess one day these Rockhopper Penguins will catch on to the way things should be done.

That does it for Thursday’s Wild Fact.  See you tomorrow for the last Fact of the week.