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Photographer Bertie Gregory spent two months capturing a pivotal chapter in the lives of emperor penguin chicks. At around four months old, these young penguins face a transformative moment. With their parents gone, they must march to the ocean, dive into the water, and navigate life alone, guided only by instinct.
Initially, Gregory aimed to photograph their typical behavior—chicks sliding down snowy ramps and leaping modestly into the sea. However, a storm shattered the sea ice, dramatically altering their journey. One group of chicks detoured toward the edge of a towering 50-foot ice cliff.
Using a drone from a distance, Gregory documented their hesitation at the brink. One brave chick stepped forward, leading the charge, and soon others followed. Nearly 100 chicks jumped, showcasing an instinctual drive for survival.
Some made bold, graceful dives; others tumbled awkwardly, flapping as they fell. Each splash into the icy waters marked a startling transition. After brief moments of shock, the chicks adjusted, swimming with elegance and purpose, as though a switch had flipped in their minds.
This breathtaking leap of survival, featured in Secrets of the Penguins by Nat Geo and Disney+, is a testament to the resilience and instincts of these remarkable birds. It’s a vivid reminder of the courage it takes to embrace life’s challenges headfirst—literally.
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