People have complex relationships with one another. But when compared to relationships between penguins, human relationships would seem much simpler. It can be said that penguin relationships are more dramatic, more intriguing, and more colorful.
Two aquariums in Japan, Kyoto Aquarium and Sumida Aquarium, keep obsessive tabs on their penguins and maintain an updated flowchart that visualizes all their penguin drama.
As Kyoto-based researcher Oliver Jia points out, penguin drama can include serious crushes and heartbreaks but also adultery and egg-stealing. And these Japanese aquariums have it all charted in a flowchart that can be studied for hours.
But how do these aquariums identify the couples and the heartbroken ones?
According to the aquarium’s caretakers, the penguin’s romantic escapades are fairly easy to observe. For example, wing-flapping is a sign of affection and couples can be seen grooming each other. Penguins who are getting over a break-up will often refuse to eat.
What are your thoughts about this one?
(Image Credit: Spoon & Tamago)