Scientists recently found what appears to be the tallest penguin ever! Two new fossilized species have been found in New Zealand and one, the Kairuku grebneffi, is almost five feet tall! The skeletons were found nearly twenty years ago and have since been studied by a group of scientists from North Carolina State University.
Over fifty different species of extinct penguins have been found, yet scientists are so astonished at the stunning size of the Kairuku, which translates to “food diver.” The species dates back around 27 million years and it looks nothing like any other penguins seen, either alive or dead.
This species was slim, had long flippers and strong rear limbs, and although they have been intensely studied, scientists remain stumped as to the reason behind their incredible size.