When I was younger, we read a book at school about a man who paints houses for a living but dreams of far away places. When he sees a movie about Antarctica, he is so fascinated that he writes to Admiral Drake, an explorer there. Instead of answering the letter, the Admiral sends a large wooden box with holes punched in the sides. When Mr. Popper removes the outer boards, out jumps a full grown penguin. From then on, his days are filled with one adventure after another.
I had a stuffed penguin that I slept with for years, and I named him Captain Ork. (Ork being the sound a penguin makes)
Tonight, watching the Olympics women's ice dancing short programs, I was reminded of one of my favorite animals once again.
And by a little known fact I recently discovered about them.
The King Penguins have an organ above their eyes that convert salt water to fresh water.
So, they can drink salt water.
How amazing is that?!
All the answers we're looking for in science...are in the animal kingdom.
Seriously.