World Penguin Day in Japan

April 25th annually is World Penguin Day 世界ペンギンの日. The commemoration day began at an American Antarctic research base, where scientists noticed that Adelie penguins reliably appeared around this time each year. The researchers began calling it "Penguin Day". Over time, the observance spread, eventually becoming "World Penguin Day".  

The day is a moment to appreciate the remarkable birds and the fragile ecosystems they rely on. Adelie and Emperor penguins are the only species that breed on the Antarctic continent, enduring extreme cold and long migrations. Emperor penguins, the largest living species at up to 130 cm tall, leave the sea around this season and travel in a single-file lines across the ice. In contrast, the smallest species, the little penguin, stands only 40 cm tall.

World Penguin Day is actively observed in Japan. Zoos and aquariums around the country hold events and talks to disseminate information about penguins. This year, during winter, penguins were off limits to visitors at many zoos and aquariums to protect them from the bird flu. There may still be restrictions in place, but you will find that there are still events on for penguin day at many zoos and aquariums in Japan this weekend.