Penguins seem more "human" than any other creature - because they stand upright, walk a lot like us, and dress in formal-looking suits made of feathers. Really, however, they share little with humans.

Penguins swim miles out to sea, then dive hundreds of feet to feed on small ocean shrimp known as krill. They live in noisy colonies and have elaborate social rituals for mating and fighting (come to think of it, that's something they do share with humans). They extensively cooperate with their mates to raise young (actually, they also share this caregiving instinct with humans). Mates share a great deal of affection for each other (also like humans).

Okay, maybe we do share more than "standing tall and walking." When I called this picture "Warm hearts ..." I was thinking of the affectionate penguins - but it could just as well represent our feelings for these wonderful creatures.

Lee Rentz