Emperor
penguin returning from dive at "Penguin Ranch"
- Aptenodytes forsteri
An action beloved of film-makers and photographers
is the penguin launching itself from the sea onto the ice. Just before
they leave the water, the penguins put an extra effort into swimming
to reach a speed where they can leave the water and make it over the
ice edge. This one has got it just about right as it's just the right
height so has got the effort right. I have seen Adelie penguins launch
themselves over 8 feet into the air and land on the roof of a small
boat when being chased by a leopard seal.
Previous
Next
Back to thumbnails
Photograph by: Dr..Paul Ponganis - National Science Foundation