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Today in History: Last Great Auks Killed in Iceland's Eldey

6/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On June 3, 1844, the last known pair of great auks, flightless birds from the genus Pinguinus, were killed on Eldey Island, Iceland. This marked the extinction of the species, which had existed for approximately 400,000 years. The great auk was not related to modern penguins, despite its similar appearance.

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Story summary

On June 3, 1844, the last known pair of great auks, flightless birds from the genus Pinguinus, were killed on Eldey Island, Iceland. This marked the extinction of the species, which had existed for approximately 400,000 years. The great auk was not related to modern penguins, despite its similar appearance.