Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All

With regard to penguins, Charles Bergman suggests “much of the appeal is that they are improbable.” From an early affection for the distinctive birds Bergman developed an ambition to see every one of the world’s eighteen species, visiting colonies in Antarctica, North and South America, Africa, and Europe. He studied the ecology of penguins and journeyed to faraway lands, some of them with singularly inhospitable climates. The text and gorgeous images in Every Penguin in the World introduce every species, from the tallest, the elegant Emperor, to the funky-haired Macaroni, the differences in size and appearance between the species a revelation to the novice who assumes all penguins look alike.

Bergman Travels with enthusiasts and expert guides, even on occasion taking his college students down to Antarctica, gathering enough memories of penguins and boat rides in turbulent seas to last a lifetime. Each colony has a distinctive tale to tell. Research scientists share their findings, explaining how populations are dwindling, some reaching close to endangerment. To some extent, the blame falls on mainstay diets being dislocated by changes in tides and currents leaving penguins unable to leave their traditional settlements. While penguins in Antarctica are most often seen in documentaries, Bergman details less familiar species such as the African birds at home on Robben Island in South Africa, their colonies juxtaposed against the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

The book lists organizations helping penguins directly and indirectly by volunteering and donating, and also numerous research organizations to explore online.