• Scientists have discovered the fossil remains of a giant penguin they believe roamed the waters near New Zealand 55 to 60 million years ago, shortly after dinosaurs became extinct.
• Researchers say the ancient penguin, called ‘Kumimanu biceae’ was 177cm tall, measured 100kg and would have been “considerably more powerful than a person”.
• This gigantic penguin would have been an expert hunter due to its long beak and muscly build.
• It’s believed that these animals disappeared following the rise of marine animals such as seals and toothed whales.
• Kumimanu was named after a creature in Maori folklore.
• For some perspective, the Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin alive today, at 120cm tall and weighing about 40kg.
• For more information, I’ve linked a fantastic article from the LA Times below.

Read more:

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-giant-penguins-20171212-story.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-13/ancient-human-sized-penguin-inhabited-new-zealand/9253932

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