QUESTION:
What percent of the penguin babies survive thier first year?  What are 
thier natural predators? 

               From  Annie S., 8 grade 
               Ridgeview Middle School, Atlanta, GA

ANSWER from Eric Holm, Researcher, Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Mon, 24 Feb 1997 18:13:38 -0500

Dear Annie,


This is a difficult question to answer because the Adelie penguins 
do not return to this area to breed until after they are 3 or 4 years 
old. Some years are better for penguins than others because of the 
food supply and this is one of the factors that determines how many 
birds live to return to breed when they reach maturity.  Their natural 
predators are leopard seals and orcas in the water, and skuas from 
the air.  


Thanks for your question!
Eric H.