Global Penguin Society (GPS) works with penguin researchers and conservationists worldwide.
We often picture penguins ambling through a landscape of endless snow and swimming in frigid iceberg-filled oceans. While several penguin species live in a cold environment, others live miles away from snow among cactus in South American deserts and in the warmth of the tropics. There are actually 18 different penguin species concentrated in the Southern Hemisphere, 55% of which are listed as threatened. Most penguin populations are at risk from changes in our oceans primarily due to pollution, fisheries mismanagement, and the effects of climate change.
Global Penguin Society (GPS) is promoting penguin conservation and advocating for solutions to sustainable healthy activities in the ocean. They work with penguin researchers and conservationists worldwide, implementing a united conservation front for these charismatic flightless birds. GPS also promoted the creation of the first ever IUCN Penguin Specialist Group, dedicated to the conservation of all 18 species.
Protect Penguins
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Penguins:
Global Penguin Society (GPS)
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3,950+
Acres of Penguin Habitat
Protected in 2025 for Magellanic penguins in Patagonia, following direct intervention in a landmark Argentinian legal case. Through Global Penguin Society’s role as expert witnesses in a key trial, presenting science-based evidence, a previously inadequate protected area of just 520 acres was expanded to approximately 3,950 acres.
3,133+
People Across Patagonia
Participated in educational school talks, field trips, beach cleanups, public campaigns, and conferences in 2025. Global Penguin Society also distributed 9,997 educational books to students, educators, and community members.
3,300
Pounds of Plastic Waste
Removed from penguin breeding habitat in 2025 prior to nesting season. Global Penguin Society conducted multiple education-driven beach cleanups in critical penguin nesting areas, engaging more than 200 students, teachers, tourism guides, and local landowners, restoring 6.2 miles of coastline.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Beach Cleanups
Every year, before penguins arrive from their annual winter migration, GPS brings students and volunteers out to collect garbage and debris from the beach and nesting areas of colonies in Argentine Patagonia. Materials are then processed at a recycling center. Much of this trash is plastic, providing an opportunity to draw attention to the problem of single-use plastics and ocean pollution.
Thriving People
Field Trips & Education
GPS targets their educational efforts at local communities living near penguin colonies so that the next generation will better value penguins and their habitat. GPS organizes field trips for students to visit penguins, teaches in-person and virtual lessons, and provides learning material for teachers. GPS also extends this material to governments, tour guides, and travel agents to reach the wider public.
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Protected Area Management
GPS is particularly invested in creating new marine and coastal protected areas and improving their management to protect penguin foraging and migration areas from human activities. GPS formulates advice for governments, landowners, and tourism operators in different countries to secure conditions for the persistence and growth of penguin populations.
Quote“When I see a penguin, I feel like they really reflect how wonderful and how fantastic this planet is…and also how fragile it is.”
Dr. Pablo Borboroglu, President Global Penguin Society (GPS)
