
A rare emperor penguin chick was hatched at SeaWorld San Diego on September 12, 2023, marking the first occurrence since 2010.
SeaWorld San Diego is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where emperor penguins can be found, making this event especially significant.
Emperor penguins are currently considered a threatened species due to climate change, which has caused the loss of Antarctic Sea ice and rising sea levels.
The lack of sea ice has resulted in breeding failures for emperor penguins, as the ice is crucial for their habitat and chick survival.

SeaWorld says taking action against climate change and supporting organizations like SeaWorld can contribute to the survival of this species. Allowing people to see emperor penguins up close and educating the public about the threats they face encourages conservation efforts. SeaWorld San Diego is a destination where visitors can witness emperor penguins, along with various other penguin species. SeaWorld’s commitment to marine life conservation, education, and animal care has been ongoing for over 60 years