What are penguin predators?
Penguins face different predators on land and at sea. In the ocean, their main predators are leopard seals, fur seals, sea lions, orcas (killer whales), and sharks. Leopard seals are particularly significant predators of Antarctic species, often patrolling near colony entry points. On land, skuas and giant petrels prey on eggs and chicks. On sub-Antarctic and temperate islands, introduced mammals like rats, cats, stoats, and ferrets have devastated some penguin populations. The yellow-eyed penguin, for instance, faces severe predation pressure from introduced mammalian predators in New Zealand.
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Where this answer comes from
Reference bodies behind our behavior answers. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- Smithsonian Ocean Portal - Penguin biology, anatomy, and breeding explainers.
- British Antarctic Survey - Antarctic penguin ecology, diving, and sea-ice context.
- Penguins International - Species explainers and conservation context focused on penguins.