Exxxtreme Penguin Mating Action!

By Alicia Dorr in Miscellaneous on Apr 12, 2007 5:54PM

We heard somewhere that penguins are America's new favorite animal (and that Americans are now hunting bald eagles). It had something to do with family values and monogomy, apparently. And animated movies. And Morgan Freeman's voice.

Anyway, we obviously aren't holding that against them because when we heard penguin mating season at the Shedd Aquarium has commenced, we peed our pants a little with glee. The two types of penguins at the Shedd — the Gentoos and the Rockhoppers — will be gathering rocks to make their nests through June. This time is the exciting part, though. Aquarium staff will be scattering rocks around the habitat while the penguins frantically waddle around trying to find a mate or, if they already have one, start building their nest in a choice spot.

If you get a chance, go see the penguins. Not just because they weeble and wobble without falling down, but because they have personality. Incidentally, America should know that the occasional penguin will cheat on its spouse, pick a fight over nest real estate, and pick favorites with their offspring. And sometimes, they're gay. Hey, maybe they are a bit like us.

Image via ridingsun.com.