BEHIND THE SCENE

Emperor penguins are unique among penguins. For one, their breeding cycle is unlike any other species of penguin.

Their breeding season begins in the Southern autumn (April), when the sea ice is strong enough for the colony to assemble. Emperor penguins are monogamous: They mate for life, and look for the same partner, year after year. They recognize each other by their calls, when they re-join the colony. Once the family is reunited, they greet each other with ritual bowing.

When the female lays her egg she passes it to her mate and leaves to feed on her own. She will remain at sea, foraging for food, until spring.

During those early winter months, the male incubates the egg by perching it on top of his feet, under a warm blanket of folding skin, much like a close-fitting fleece jacket, even as outside temperatures drop as low as -35C.

The female will return in July, often to find a newly hatched chick. The male then hands over the chick and himself leaves, to feed at sea. The male will periodically return with food during this time, to help raise the chick. Male and female alternate between spending time with their chick and foraging at sea.

This image was shot in October when the chicks are still perched for the most part on their parents’ feet, under a warm brood pouch. 

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