Penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula

 We spent today in Neko Harbor on the northern Antarctic peninsula.  There are 5 species of penguins that live in Antarctica -- we will see primarily Gentoos on this trip.  The babies are about 1/2 the size of their parents and are still being fed by mom.  After they molt in a few months, they will go to the sea to learn to swim and feed, then return to this location in 4 years to breed.

The penguin colony was up on a rocky cliff.  They use deep grooves in the snow, called penguin "highways" to get down to the water.  We were told to avoid stepping in the highways and to stay at least 15 feet from the animals.  There was also a weddle seal and elephant seal near our landing.










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