Marine mammals:
* Leopard seals: These seals are fierce predators known for their speed and agility in the water, making them a major threat to penguins.
* Orcas (killer whales): These apex predators often target penguin colonies, sometimes even beaching themselves to reach their prey.
* Sea lions: While not as specialized penguin hunters as leopard seals, some species of sea lions will prey on penguins, especially young ones.
Birds:
* Skuas (also called skuas or jaegers): These large gulls are opportunistic predators that will often steal penguin chicks or eggs.
* Giant petrels: These large, albatross-like birds can also be a threat to penguins, particularly chicks.
Other animals:
* Crabeater seals: While their primary food source is krill, they will occasionally eat penguins, especially chicks.
* Sharks: Some shark species, like the great white shark, have been known to prey on penguins.
The specific predators that a penguin faces depend on its location and the size and age of the penguin. For example, smaller penguins are more vulnerable to birds of prey, while larger penguins might be preyed upon by seals or orcas.