Penguin Awareness Day, 20 January 2025

Life in the land of the penguin

Five species of penguin are found in Antarctica and it’s no surprise that this massive frozen landmass has earned the nickname of ‘the Land of the Penguin’. Nevertheless, these iconic flightless birds share their chilly southern home with a diverse web of life in the ocean, on the ice and under a sky of stars and Aurora Australis (southern lights). This awe-inspiring ecosystem includes 15 species of whale and dolphin, six species of seal, and many other marine birds including petrels and skuas. The nutrient-rich waters encourage blooms of tiny plankton, the basis of this ocean food chain.

Antarctica is also known as one of the world's most important ‘natural laboratories’ – which is why so many scientists brave the cold to work there. Enjoy these photos of penguins and the species and spectacles they share their home with, from Natacha Planque – an Antarctic researcher working with Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chiz, WWF and partners to understand more about how penguins are being impacted by pressures such as climate change.