Penguins have their own awareness day, and they deserve it

Jan. 20 was Penguin Awareness Day and there's a lot of cuteness to celebrate.

But sadly, more than half of penguin species are vulnerable or endangered.

In all, there are about 17 species -- like the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, native to New Zealand and the African penguin.

Oil spills and overfishing of the African penguin's food supply are big threats to its survival, but the Georgia Aquarium has welcomed 24 baby African penguins since 2012 as part of the Species Survival Program.

It's hoping to raise a lot more.

About the Author

Samantha Crook

Why some Atlantans are saying ‘Hello’ again, or for first time, to landlines

Whether it’s a parent restricting a child’s access to social media or a young adult avoiding doom scrolling, a new generation of landlines is trending.

Atlanta Pride: Pageantry, celebration and protest in the heart of Midtown

A preview of Atlanta Pride rolling out in Midtown and Piedmont Park on Oct. 10-12 2025. One of the country's most significant LGBTQ+ gatherings draws 100,000-plus annually.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

From an airplane show in Peachtree to Oakhurst Porchfest in Decatur and Pine LakeFest, here are 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Oct. 10-12.

The Latest

Credit: Philiip Robibero / AJC

Why some Atlantans are saying ‘Hello’ again, or for first time, to landlines

Atlanta Pride: Pageantry, celebration and protest in the heart of Midtown

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Featured

EXCLUSIVE

Delta flight attendant fired for Kirk-related social post speaks out

Mathew Palmer, a Delta flight attendant, was suspended by the airline the day after writing a Facebook post about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s voters are sticking with her through her political evolution

Congresswoman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s supporters are sticking with her even as she splits from Republican Party leadership

Truck driver arrested after 8th victim found in wreckage of I-85 crash

A tractor-trailer struck the back of a Dodge van, causing the van to go up in flames. The crash involved 6 vehicles, one of which was a van transporting 37 cats to a shelter.