Antarctica: Emperor Penguins

Emperor Penguins are the largest and heavies of all penguins – 125 cm (50 in) in height and weighing 20 to 45 kg (50 to 100 lb) – and live deep in the Antarctic ice, much further than any other species. In an absolutely bizarre twist of nature, they breed in the depth of the Antarctic dark winters, and then take turn traveling for 30-40 miles toward the open water to get fish. The other parent usually remains with the single egg in the large colonies of hundreds.Once the chicks are born (and they are the cutest animals on Earth) they gain weight rapidly but still have to fight the Antarctic weather, snow, wind, and 24-hour sunlight. A trip to see Emperor Penguins is an endeavor and requires several flights deep into the Antarctica, but it is a life changing experience.