how long do penguins stay with their mate
One year
Emperor penguin
Contrary to popular belief, Emperor penguins do not mate for life; they are serially monogamous, having only one mate each year,
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Emperor penguin [SEP] Courtship and breeding
Once in pairs, couples waddle around the colony together, with the female usually following the male. Before copulation, one bird bows deeply to its mate, its bill pointed close to the ground, and its mate then does the same. Contrary to popular belief, Emperor penguins do not mate for life; they are serially monogamous, having only one mate each year, and remaining faithful to that mate. However, fidelity between years is only around 15%. The narrow window of opportunity available for mating appears to be an influence, as there is a priority to mate and breed which usually precludes waiting for the previous year's partner to arrive at the colony.