How Fast Is Gentoo Penguin?

Gentoo penguins reach 36 km/h underwater — fastest of any penguin. They use their wings as flippers and can leap 2 metres clear of the water onto ice when emerging, which is genuinely unnerving to watch.

Emperor penguins fast for up to 4 months while incubating eggs in Antarctic winter — surviving without food at -40°C through huddled body heat alone.

• Fastest penguin underwater
• Can leap 2 m onto ice