Are penguins making a comeback? The iconic seabirds have been making headlines for all the right reasons lately, with heartwarming, humorous, and, in some cases, heartbreaking stories. Let’s dive into five penguins currently waddling into the spotlight:

🔹 Sphen and Magic – One of the most famous penguin couples in the world, Sphen and Magic, captured hearts in 2018 when they formed a same-sex bond at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The Gentoo duo became proud foster dads to Sphengic (later renamed Lara) after successfully hatching an egg given to them by keepers. Tragically, Sphen passed away on 21 August 2024, leaving Magic to face his first breeding season alone. The heartbreaking moment when Magic sang to Sphen’s body, with the rest of the penguin colony joining in, touched the world. Their love story was so iconic that it was even featured in the Netflix series Atypical.

🔹 Pesto, the King Penguin chick at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, has become an internet sensation. At nine months old, Pesto weighed an astonishing 21 kg, nearly double the weight of his parents. His viral fame began when the aquarium shared videos of his enormous size and playful personality.

🔹 African penguins have been facing a severe population decline, but there’s a flicker of hope. In September 2024, researchers at the De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa reported a slight increase in breeding activity. While the population remains critically endangered, conservationists are working tirelessly to save these beloved birds.

🔹 Penguin enthusiasts can now enjoy a hotel dedicated to their favourite seabird. Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park opened a penguin-themed hotel on 1 July 2024. Guests can enjoy the unique experience of staying in rooms with glass enclosures that allow them to watch penguins up close. This quirky, immersive experience has made the hotel a hit among visitors looking for a penguin-themed getaway.

🔹 A rare species of penguin, the hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin, was crowned New Zealand’s Bird of the Year. The penguin previously won the title in 2019. With its striking yellow eyes and forest-nesting habits, the hoiho has seen a 78% population decline due to introduced predators and climate change. The win is a victory for those working to protect this critically endangered bird.

Globally, penguin populations are declining due to climate change. Conservationists are in a race against time to protect these iconic birds from further decline, using satellite monitoring and new research tools to inform their efforts.