They mourn for them, then leave them. An egg not hatching is a horrible thing, but it happens often. Exposure to the cold will crack an egg open within minutes (or under a minute in drastic cases), killing the chick. read more
Emperor penguins are known for making an instant and close bond with their young. Females will attempt to steal hatchlings from others if they lose theirs, driven by grief. They’ll cry and nudge at their chick, making mournful sounds or sitting with their heads bowed for a long time. read more
Scientists believe that the chicks' coloration elicits parental behavior from the adults, and that adult penguins do not perceive the young birds as competitors for mates or nesting sites. The striking markings of emperor chicks may help to make the chicks more visible against the ice and snow, significant because emperors don't have individual nest sites where the young can be found. read more
Emperor penguin eggs are elliptical in shape so that they can be incubated on the tops of their parent's feet. This unique shape allows the eggs to roll in a circle if they should happen to fall off of the mother or father penguin's feet. read more