Penguins are widely admired for their attempts at full evening dress in spite of the harsh and often wintry conditions in which they live.

However, their clumsy beaks and flipper-like wings sadly prevent them from tying a full bow tie. This leaves them tantalisingly short of sartorial decency.

Many conservationists are now attempting to reduce the penguins' suffering by tying the necessary neckwear for them.

The guide below - showing how to correctly knot a penguin's bow tie - has been issued to the British Antarctic Survey, various bird charities, and one or two pharmacists by mistake.

penguin tie guide

The use of clip-on and elasticated ties is discouraged as they have been implicated in a number of unfortunate chokings, as well as being a bit naff.

penguin dress
This penguin is now shown attired properly for dinner, though black tie would normally be worn with dark or black plumage. His name is Algernon. He is an Aries.

Sadly the large part of any elaborate dinner will usually have to be discarded afterwards as penguins only eat the fish course.

Frustratingly for many penguins, flippers also prohibit the full enjoyment of profiteroles.