Do penguins have knees? Penguins do have knees, but they're not visible externally because their knees are located within their bodies, close to their tails. Their short legs are structured in a way that makes them appear to have no knees when they walk. The joint you see bending as they walk is actually their ankle. This adaptation helps them swim efficiently while their legs remain close to their bodies, aiding in streamlining through water.