King Penguins Parents Brave a Perilous Trek
In King Penguins Parents Brave a Perilous Trek, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that chicks are bred on isolated Marion Island in the polar sea. Parents return from days of fishing and brave a trek past elephant seals to feed their young. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: Describe the location and conditions of Marion Island.
A: It is located halfway between South Africa and the South Pole; it is rocky and treeless; it is in the roaring forties, so there are incessant gale-force winds; the water is cold and stormy; the water is rich in nutrients and fish.
Q: Why do you think penguin chicks are dependent on their parents for so long? Think about what you observe in the video.
A: The chicks in the video have a different coat of feathers than the parents, so they might not be ready to swim and fish for themselves.
Q: Why do you think elephant seals are a danger to king penguins?
A: Student responses will vary. Students may suggest that they don’t hunt penguins for food, but they could probably hurt them if they’re just bad-tempered.