[aspundir]

Emperior Penguins

This popular black and white species is famous for its commitment and trustworthiness in returning to the same partner annually. The threats against pairs during breeding and reproduction are so intense, that emperor penguins have to form such tight pairs in order to get through the battle. It’s freezing and demanding, and the mother almost reaches the point of starvation, so commitment really is the only way to push forward.

The resources for nests are nothing but chunks of ice and snow, forcing the male to incubate their single egg for nine long weeks on his flippers. Whilst he survives on fat reserves, the female heads out to sea fishing for food to deliver to the depending father and chick. Her journey to the sea may be up to 100 miles from the breeding colony, and she almost reaches the point of starvation herself. Once the chick has hatched the mother and father take it in turns to guard their hatchling from dangerous predatory birds whilst the other searches for food. This behaviour is repeated for six months until the baby can fend for itself.