Explorers on an expedition to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) have shared their adorable experience of meeting a group of king penguins on the shoreline.
The video shows tens of king penguins, with their characteristic orange cheeks, strutting along with their arms outstretched.
Growing up to 95cm tall, king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) are the second largest species of penguin. The emperor penguin takes the crown for the largest, measuring 120cm.
“As perfect waves rolled in offshore, the penguins – one by one – debated whether to brave the frigid waters in search of food. Inland, hundreds more gathered with chicks of all sizes, preparing for the winter ahead,” says Andi Cross, the Edges of Earth expedition leader.
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This waddle (the name for a group of penguins walking on land) was very curious. “While nature is best observed from a distance, these penguins had other plans,” says Cross. They passed right in front of the expedition team and even peered at some of their gear “before giving a trademark side-eye and waddling off,” she says.
The explorers were visiting Falklands Conservation to learn how these animals are adapting to a changing climate. “With climate change reshaping the Falklands like everywhere else, shifting weather patterns – stronger winds, heavier rain, and early snow – are making survival increasingly difficult,” says Cross.
Main image: Falkland Islands. Credit: Getty
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