Antarctica Penguin Colonies

Millions of penguins annually return to their ancestral Antarctica colonies to rear their young, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Of the four species of penguins that breed on the Antarctic continent, the Emporer penguins are the most unique. Unlike other penguins, the emperor penguin female lays only one egg per year. After doing so, she gives the egg to her mate, and then slowly waddles upwards of 30 miles to the sea to feed.

The male keeps the egg warm by cradling it on his feet and closely huddling with the other penguins. He does this for nine weeks, until the female returns to take over at hatching. The hungry male then departs for the sea to eat (which he hasn't done in over 2 months). Once fed, he returns. Thereafter, the parents alternate the rearing and sea-feeding duties until the chick is old enough to go to the sea and fend for itself.