PENGUINS do not all mate for life, a scientist has revealed — with some having affairs and even getting “divorced”.
The black and white Antarctic waddlers have social structures and characteristics “very relatable” to humans, he said.
It means that while some opt for lifelong monogamy, as is widely believed, others are quite happy to “do the dirty”.
Dr Peter Fretwell added: “There are divorces and if you’re not getting on with your partner after a few years, sometimes they’ll go and choose another.”
He gave the example of gentoos, which are known to give stones as gifts, and adélies, which use stones to build nests.
He added they will “sell their services” for a stone.
Dr Fretwell, of the British Antarctic Survey, said: “We often anthropomorphise penguins.
“As scientists, we hate that but we can’t get away from it.
“They have social structures and there are certain characteristics we can really relate to.
“The mating one is some mate for life, and some don’t and that’s very relatable as a human.”
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