Front:
29
FIRST DAY
OF ISSUE
Oct. 1, 1992
New Orle ans, LA 70113
CHUCK
RIPPER
Back:
KING PENGUIN
First Day of Issue: October 1, 1992
First Issue Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
The King Penguin is a flightless bird inhabiting the far
reaches of the Southern Hemisphere. While the family is
associated with Antarctica, only two species – the
Adélie and the Emperor — are common to or reach this
frigid continent. The other species of penguins can be
found along the cool southern coasts of Africa, New
Zealand, Australia and South America. Despite its clumsy
gait and somewhat comical appearance, the King
Penguin is ideally adapted to life in the subantarctic.
During the process of evolution, its wings have devel-
oped into modified flippers which propel the bird through
the water. Its feathers are comprised of fluffy filaments
which make them virtually water-proof, and a thick layer
of blubber provides additional insulation. The King Pen-
guin is sustained on a diet of fish, crustaceans and squid,
and remains at sea for weeks at a time to feed. Basically
defenseless, this bird is also the favorite fare of marine
carnivores such as the Orca and Leopard Seal.
No. 92-123
First Day of Issue Postcard Collection
©1992 Fleetwood® Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001
Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Chuck Ripper
Fleetwood
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTCARD
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
