QUESTION: 
What is the life span of a penguin?
        
        From  Mr. Holz's class
        Newington Forest Elementary School
        Springfield, Virginia


ANSWER from David Lott, Research Assistant, Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Fri, 14 Feb 1997 14:59:59 -0500


Dear Mr. Holz and Students,

That is a very good question.  Because of the limited amount of 
research that has been completed on penguins in their natural 
habitat, the longevity of these birds is not well known.  Few 
studies have lasted for periods long enough to track individual 
penguins throughout their life, which hinders an accurate assessment 
of an average lifespan.  However, information in a book by Tony 
Williams points out that the oldest known breeding penguins have been 
thought to be around twenty years of age.

Thanks for your question!
David