QUESTION:
How many pounds of fish do Emperor Penguins eat in one year?

           Steven L., Ms. Zugazaga's Class
           Spring Creek Jr.Sr. High School
           Elko, Nevada

ANSWER from Donna Patterson, Resercher, Dr. Fraser's Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Fri, 21 Mar 1997 15:17:29 -0500
           

Hello Steven,

I could not tell you exactly how many pounds of fish that an Emperor 
penguin eats each year, but it is reasonable to say that it could be 
as much as several hundred pounds.   Their stomachs can hold more 
than 3 pounds of food at a time and they often forage for several 
days without returning to their colony.    In the early summer (when 
the sea ice extent has diminished and birds may feed closer to the 
colonies),  chicks can receive a meal of 8 pounds from the parents.  

Donna Patterson