Or they find a new feeding ground? Why does the universe bend to “badass penguins”?

The universe really does not care, in a “badass” way. Major league not caring.

It’s our interpretation that something is “badass” mainly because our species has pretty much negatively affected most parts of the environment.

It’s us that are “badass” and don’t “get it” when it comes to nature and the environment.

As someone else points out, there is no such thing as a nihilist penguin, it’s purely us putting a label on behaviour that we - once again - don’t understand.