Penguin Basics

Do penguins have knees?

Yes, penguins do have knees. Their legs are structured the same way as other birds, with a femur, knee joint, tibia, and fibula. The reason people think penguins lack knees is that their upper legs are hidden inside the body, covered by skin and feathers. What looks like a backward-bending knee from the outside is actually the ankle joint. This compact leg structure gives penguins a low center of gravity, which helps with balance on land and reduces drag while swimming.