Sometimes, life...finds a way. Cue the Jurassic Park theme song
In all seriousness, this is really incredible. All these animals were so very close to extinction but overcame the odds and now are thriving! Just the kind of uplifting news we need in this world.
Learn more about each species below (commentary by MentalFloss):
Penguins aren't exactly formidable creatures, are they? Although Emperor penguins can reach up to 4 feet 2 inches, they always seem super friendly and cute. Now imagine a penguin the same height as you. That changes things. Penguins the size of humans... the idea sounds like it comes from science fiction. But it actually just comes from science. It was recently discovered that giant penguins used to exist. We are not kidding.
The Spix's macaw, or as most would recognize as the parrot from the animated film Rio, heads the list of first bird extinction confirmed this decade. You can read more of this story at Birdlife.org.
To learn more about the troubles facing cheetahs and how you can help, click here.
Ai finks ai juss exstinkted!
Teh dinosor wuz gonna get me But ai exstinked it
