The king penguin, second only to the emperor penguin in size, is a majestic inhabitant of the sub-Antarctic islands. With their striking orange and yellow markings on their necks, king penguins are as elegant as they are resilient.

Unlike most penguins, they do not build nests. Instead, they carry their single egg on their feet, keeping it warm under a flap of skin. King penguins are expert swimmers, capable of diving to depths of over 300 meters to catch fish and squid. Their large colonies, often numbering in the thousands, create a bustling, noisy community filled with life and activity. Despite their remote habitat, king penguins face challenges from changing ocean temperatures and overfishing, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.