Emperor penguins are now considered an endangered species, as climate change threatens their natural habitat.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature cited a decline in sea ice for its change of status for the world's largest and most recognizable penguin species.
Emperor penguins rely on this ice to live, hunt and breed. Scientists warn that, without major cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, emperor penguin numbers could be cut in half by the end of this century.
The group also added the Antarctic fur seal to its endangered species list, as rising ocean temperatures affect its food sources.