Penguins are not always the symbol of lifelong love that many people believe. A study in Australia has revealed that little penguins (Eudyptula minor)—the smallest penguin species in the world—have a divorce rate significantly higher than that of humans.
According to data from Monash University, over 12 breeding seasons from 2000 to 2013, researchers recorded approximately 250 cases of "breakups" among nearly 1,000 penguin pairs on Phillip Island. On average, around 21 couples separated each year. In contrast, the annual divorce rate for humans in the U.S. is only about 2.4 per 1,000 couples—nearly ten times lower than that of these penguins.
Scientists define a penguin divorce when a tagged individual from a previous breeding season reappears with a new mate. Although the little penguin population on Phillip Island exceeds 37,000, researchers believe their sample size accurately reflects the species’ broader behavioral trends.
And it's not just little penguins—other species also fail to uphold the illusion of monogamy. Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) and Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) have been known to engage in extramarital affairs despite pairing up. A 1999 study found that only 15% of emperor penguins remained with the same partner across consecutive breeding seasons.
According to ecologist Richard Reina from Monash University, a penguin’s decision to stay or leave a mate is largely based on reproductive success. “During good seasons, they tend to stick with their partner, even if occasional infidelity occurs. However, after a failed breeding season, they often seek a new mate to increase their chances of success the following year.”
Divorce among penguins isn’t always a sign of trouble—it can actually be a survival strategy. “Switching partners can improve long-term reproductive success, especially if the previous mate was unsuitable, a higher-quality partner becomes available, or environmental factors disrupt reunions,” explained marine scientist Andre Chiaradia from Monash University.
This study highlights the crucial role that social dynamics play in the conservation of wildlife species.
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