QUESTION:
Are penguins edible by humans?   If so who eats them?

        Nate S. 15
        Lewiston Alternative Middle School
        Lewiston Idaho



ANSWER from Donna Patterson, Research Assistant
            Bill Fraser's Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Mon, 7 Apr 1997 14:24:18 -0500

Hello Nate,

Yes, penguins are edible by humans.  Many of the early expeditions 
to Antarctica supplemented their diets with fresh penguin meat during 
their long voyages, especially since the food that they brought was 
often lacking in nutrients or sometimes spoiled.  The members of 
some expeditions also ate penguin eggs  for the same reasons.    
There are a few  locations where egg collection is still carried out by 
people, but not at the same scale as during the age of exploration.  
At present, eating penguins or seals is frowned upon for reasons of 
conservation and ecosystem preservation.

Thanks for your question!
Donna