Emperor Penguins must change their feathers - it may now be killing them
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Emperor Penguins are facing a critical threat due to their annual molting process, which has become more dangerous as Antarctica warms. These birds shed and regrow their feathers each year to maintain their waterproof insulation, a process that leaves them vulnerable to freezing temperatures and predators. However, recent climate change-induced sea ice shrinkage in 2022-24 has disrupted this vital cycle, leaving penguins without the stable ice platforms they need to molt safely. Scientists using satellite imagery have observed a dramatic decline in Emperor Penguin populations during molting periods, with many feared dead after being stranded in icy waters.
The molting process is inherently perilous for Emperor Penguins, as it requires them to shed their damaged feathers and grow new ones. This takes about 30-40 days and leaves the birds temporarily unable to stay afloat or regulate body temperature. Without stable ice, they risk freezing or drowning when entering the water. West Antarctica, home to 30-40% of Emperor Penguins, has been particularly hard-hit by sea ice loss, with its summer ice shrinking from an average of 2.8 million square kilometers in previous years to a record low of 1.79 million square kilometers in 2023.
Dr. Peter Fret
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026