Cover illustration: Charlene Chua
For December, get ready to join the penguin parade! We’re bringing you lots of cool facts about our feathered friends. We also have a festive wreath craft, a wintry story, and a popcorn snack recipe. Happy December to all!
The Chickadee Team
In the December issue, we introduced you to Karly McMullen, an ocean pollution researcher. As part of her job, she gets to study Galápagos penguins!
Read on for the full interview with Karly.
We investigate how pollution enters the ocean and effects marine life. We work with computers, read, and study, and sometimes we go “into the field.” This means we visit special places, like the Galápagos Islands, to collect samples and measure pollution.
Plastic is a type of pollutant penguins accidentally eat. Unfortunately, plastic doesn’t have nutrients or break down like regular food, so we can find it in their poop. Studying penguin poop helps scientists learn how plastic pollution affects penguins, ecosystems, and our planet.
Sea animals accidentally eat tiny pieces of plastic, and they can get stuck in their stomach and trick animals into feeling full, even though microplastics don’t provide nutrients. Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and affect the whole food chain.
Did you know they are the only penguins you will find north of the equator? They are tropical penguins, and instead of living on ice and snow, they live on molten lava rock. Luckily, cold water currents travel to the islands, bringing nutrients and fish to the penguins.
Penguins are generally afraid of human beings. When we study penguins, we respect their natural homes and observe them from a safe distance. Even though they are a bit afraid, penguins still watch us as we do our work. They are curious creatures!
It was an unbelievably special adventure. These islands are far away and well-protected, so I got to see lots of different animals living freely in their natural habitats. It’s like a real-life animal kingdom!
Penguins are incredible. They are seabirds that can’t fly, but that doesn’t stop them from being like superheroes in the water. Penguins are also social creatures and form strong bonds with their mates and stay together for life. And, there are many different kinds of penguins!
Sadly, there are only around 1200 left because of human activity. Greenhouse gases make the oceans warmer, meaning there are fewer fish for penguins. Another problem is pollution, and penguins can also get caught in fishing gear. Lastly, humans can disturb where penguins make their nests.
One of the best things you can do is to use less plastic. Another great way is joining beach cleanups. You can also learn about recycling and make sure to recycle properly. Lastly, you can be an ocean ambassador and spread the word about the importance of ocean conservation.
I had an amazing time meeting African Penguins in Cape Town, South Africa. They loved playing in the water with their friends. I also got to see Little Penguins in Melbourne, Australia. They are so tiny and adorable! I also dream about seeing other penguin species.
Karly with African penguins in Cape Town, South Africa. Credit: Karly McMullin
In Cape Town, I was sitting in the water while penguins zipped around me. When I looked underwater, I saw one of the penguins poop, and it came right towards me! It was so unexpected and silly, and it made everyone giggle. Penguins sure know how to surprise us!
They can be found in their special homes on the rocky islands. They love to be with their penguin friends. You’ll see them popping in and out of the water, looking for fish to eat.
Thanks for speaking with us, Karly!
Interview by Jenna L. Campbell. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Cover illustration by Julie McLaughlan
This month, we uncover the 5 incredible inventions that can be traced back to ancient Egypt! We also experiment with paper airplanes, make apples nachos, and put together a kindness tree! Be sure to read the delightful story “How to Make Friends with a Water Bear” with author Kendra Brown by clicking HERE.
Enjoy!
The Chickadee Team
Cover art: Kathy Boake
Get ready for the pumpkin party!
This month, scare up some cool pumpkin facts, make autumn crafts, and whip up some monster wraps.
You can also read along to a Halloween story HERE.
What was your favourite thing in the issue? Tell us in the comments below!
The Chickadee Team
Cover illustration: Dave Whamond
It’s back-to-school season and Chickadee has lots of fun stuff in this issue.
As always, we have lots of comics, puzzles, and fun, too.
Check it out on newsstands, your local library, or in your mailbox.
Happy reading!
The Chickadee Team
