Hatching Penguin Chicks
In Hatching Penguin Chicks, narrator Sir David Attenborough visits the southern end of the Earth, where male emperor penguins endure the coldest conditions on the planet while protecting their eggs. The fathers, who have been fasting for months, feed their newly hatched young one last time before the long-awaited return of the females. With bellies full of fish, the mothers call out to identify their mates and reunite with their chicks. The fathers must reluctantly surrender their young, ensuring their survival as the Antarctic winter begins to ease. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do emperor penguins huddle together in large groups?
A: Emperor penguins huddle together to conserve heat and protect each other from freezing winds. They constantly shift positions so that no penguin remains exposed on the outer edges for too long.
Q: How do male emperor penguins survive the winter without eating?
A: Male emperor penguins rely on stored body fat for energy during the long winter while they protect their eggs. They go without food for months until the females return with food.
Q: What challenges do the penguins face while transferring their chick from father to mother?
A: The transfer is risky because if the chick is exposed to the freezing air for too long, it could die. The parents must be quick and careful to ensure a safe handoff.
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