QUESTION:
Are the penguin chicks really as large as their parents as it 
appears on satellite T.V.?                                 

        Matthew and Nick, Grade 6, 7 , 8, Strafford School 
        Strafford New Hampshire 


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


Yes, indeed Matt and Nick, the chicks have grown to be as large if 
not larger than their parents.  In the last two weeks, the chicks 
have really grown in size; some of them even reaching around 4 kg.  
They are fed whenever the parents return from the sea; thus, the 
chicks just continue to be fed and grow until they must head to 
sea and find food for themselves.


Thanks for your question!
David