National Penguin Day

Adorable penguins waddling on icy terrain, wearing tiny bowties, surrounded by heart-shaped pebble-tokens. Charming winter wonderland scene.. — National penguin day illustration

Can anyone waddle their way into hearts like our sharply-dressed friends from the far south? Not likely! Welcome sweet gatherers of pebble-tokens of love, to our tribute on National Penguin Day. A day dedicated to spotlight their flippered frolics on the chilly icescape.

When is Penguin Day?

It's national penguin day on the 25th April.

A Colder, Cuddlier Celebration

Every year, fans of those tuxedo-clad, adorable waddlers, penguins, mark their calendars to celebrate National Penguin Day on the 25th of April, a fine April day filled with the charm of Arctic air. Our statistical arsenal reports a notable 3615 mentions of National Penguin Day online, reaching its zenith on 25th April 2019. The internet was almost as-well dressed as our featured friends with penguin appreciation posts that day!

The Cuteness Crusade

National Penguin Day began as a humble effort by a group of environmental organizations to raise awareness about the plight of these polar paraders. While it's certainly a day filled with dressing up, sharing fun facts about penguins, and watching penguin movies on repeat, it is also about promoting conservation efforts. Because no party is a good one if our Antarctic ambassadors can't join!

Freezing-fun Activities

What are some ways to celebrate National Penguin Day? You can start with educational activities like visiting local zoos, goods exchanges featuring penguin-themed memorabilias, or even virtual tours of Antarctica! People also have mini-party sessions on social media, sharing cute waddling videos, and humorous Penguin GIFs. Whatever you do, ensure that the day is as fun and waddle-filled as possible.

History behind the term 'Penguin'

1577

Sighting of the First Penguin

In 1577, during Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation of the globe, the crew of his ship, the Golden Hinde, spotted a unique bird swimming near the Strait of Magellan. This bird, with its black and white plumage, was unlike anything they had ever seen before and was henceforth referred to as the 'penguin', named after the similar-looking Great Auk.

1770

Misidentification of the Magellanic Penguin

In 1770, during Captain James Cook's voyage to discover new lands, they encountered a species of flightless bird on the Falkland Islands. Believing it to be related to the bird they saw in the Strait of Magellan, Cook and his crew mistakenly called it a 'penguin'. This species came to be known as the Magellanic Penguin.

1840

Correct Identification of Antarctic Penguins

In 1840, during the historic explorations of Antarctica by James Clark Ross, Ross correctly identified the birds inhabiting the icy southern continent as a distinct species of penguins. These penguins were later named after him as the Ross Penguins.

1902

Discovery of Emperor Penguins

In 1902, during Captain Robert Falcon Scott's expedition to Antarctica, his crew discovered a massive species of penguins that stood taller than any other known penguin. These majestic creatures, named Emperor Penguins, became widely known and admired for their resilience and unique breeding habits.

1961

Rise of Animated Penguins

The 1960s marked the beginning of a cultural fascination with penguins. In 1961, the popular animated television series 'The Adventures of Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp' introduced penguin characters, such as Baron von Butcher and Creto, sparking interest and fascination among viewers of all ages.

2005

Success of 'March of the Penguins'

In 2005, the documentary film 'March of the Penguins' captivated audiences worldwide. Directed by Luc Jacquet, the film depicted the arduous journey of Emperor Penguins during their breeding season. It received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, further cementing the popularity and appreciation for these remarkable birds.