0:00:02 > 0:00:07Penguins - behind their feisty charm lies an amazing character.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12These cheeky birds have to bring up their chicks
0:00:12 > 0:00:16against the most extraordinary odds.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21Spycams discover just how special they really are.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25THEY SQUAWK
0:00:26 > 0:00:28From the freezing Antarctic...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32..to the scorching tropics.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37This is the story of nature's most devoted parents,
0:00:37 > 0:00:39filmed as never before.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Throughout the long, dark days of the Antarctic winter,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Emperor penguins have endured the harshest weather on the planet.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06But not all the penguins here are quite as they seem.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Emperorcam.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12It is one of 50 spycameras
0:01:12 > 0:01:13being used to film
0:01:13 > 0:01:16three different types of penguin.
0:01:17 > 0:01:22It has a camera in its body, as well as its eye.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25It is about to witness a momentous event.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28PENGUINS CHIRRUP
0:01:30 > 0:01:33His egg has started to hatch.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37The father cared for this
0:01:37 > 0:01:39bundle of life for two whole months
0:01:39 > 0:01:42while his partner was out at sea.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44He hasn't fed. His only concern
0:01:44 > 0:01:46has been the egg's survival.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52The chick sees her father for the first time.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56A moment that will create a bond between them.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Her dad proudly shows off his new baby to another father
0:02:10 > 0:02:12whose egg is still to hatch.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14CHICK CHIRPS
0:02:17 > 0:02:20THEY CHIRRUP
0:02:24 > 0:02:27CHICK CHIRPS
0:02:28 > 0:02:29The chick's calls
0:02:29 > 0:02:31encourage her unhatched neighbour
0:02:31 > 0:02:33to emerge as well.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35CHICK CHIRPS
0:02:40 > 0:02:43In this way, the colony's young all arrive together.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48The new chick joins over 2,000 others
0:02:48 > 0:02:51that are starting to appear throughout the colony.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58The new fathers have no time to celebrate. Their babies are hungry.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14His supplies won't last long.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17The chick's survival depends on her mother's return.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28In the Falklands,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Rockhopper penguins are also under surveillance.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35SPYCAM WHIRRS
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Rockhoppercam not only has a camera in its eye,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41it can walk to find the best locations.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47It picks a prime spot to film the new chicks
0:03:47 > 0:03:50that are arriving all over the colony.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Eggcams capture an even closer view.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Here, too, Dad's looking after the new baby.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09But he has it easy - his shift only lasts two weeks.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16He's on duty 24/7 and he must be prepared for anything...
0:04:18 > 0:04:20..even an invasion.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Rockhoppercam spots the first arrival.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26THEY SQUAWK
0:04:28 > 0:04:31They are King cormorants and they're moving in.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37THEY HONK AND SQUAWK
0:04:39 > 0:04:41They make unruly neighbours
0:04:41 > 0:04:43and they're a hazard to the chicks.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45CHICK CHIRPS
0:04:53 > 0:04:56They steal any nesting material they can find.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06The Rockhoppers protect their chicks,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09as their own nests vanish before their eyes.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12THEY SQUAWK
0:05:12 > 0:05:15The cormorants also squabble among themselves.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26CHICKS CHIRP
0:05:27 > 0:05:30In the brawl, his chick becomes separated.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34And a cormorant runs right over him.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38DISTRESSED CHIRP
0:05:38 > 0:05:42His father hasn't noticed. He's still attacking the nest robbers.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53Then, as the chaos subsides, he realises his chick has disappeared.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57He looks in desperation.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03CHICK CHIRPS
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Then he hears his chick's call.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09He's badly shaken, but alive.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13CHICK CHIRPS FRANTICALLY
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It's nothing some fatherly comfort can't heal.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28The penguins' new rowdy neighbours make themselves at home.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29It's just one of the many trials
0:06:29 > 0:06:31the new chicks now face.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41In Peru, our third penguin, the Humboldt,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43returns to its desert nest.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49They are the only mainland penguin to survive in the tropics.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56They have their own dedicated spycamera - Humboldtcam.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57SPYCAM WHIRRS
0:07:00 > 0:07:03They rear their two chicks in burrows
0:07:03 > 0:07:05to protect them from the baking sun and predators.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15The parents share chick-rearing duties between them.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18The male took the night shift,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20hunting fish and squid just offshore.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28As they rarely have to travel far,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30compared with the two other penguins,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33these lifelong couples spend a lot more time together.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39But at home, it's hard to get any peace.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41TERNS SQUAWK
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Inca terns like these burrows too, especially those with a sea view.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Like Rockhoppers, the Humboldts dislike having neighbours too near.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00But the terns aren't easily discouraged.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Being a penguin parent is a full-time job.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Humboldtcam will stay on watch.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26The penguins will soon face far greater threats than a few terns.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34In Antarctica,
0:08:34 > 0:08:39more specialist spycams keep a close view on the Emperor penguins.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42Eggcams are everywhere.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Robot Emperorcams, positioned in the colony,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56give yet another view of their subjects.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01To coincide with the chicks' arrival,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03there's a new kid on the block.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Chickcam!
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Its role is to capture a chick's viewpoint,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17as the young develop and grow.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23For now, the dads are still in charge.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31Their chicks are hungry,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33but the fathers
0:09:33 > 0:09:35are running low on food stores.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45He gives the little he has left, but these were his emergency rations.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54His chick calls for more.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07But there is nothing left.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13The mothers are running late.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17At this time of year, the sea they must cross can freeze for 50 miles.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23The chick's future depends on
0:10:23 > 0:10:26his mother arriving back in time.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33At the Rockhopper colony,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36the chicks face a more imminent danger -
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Turkey vultures.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41These scavengers
0:10:41 > 0:10:43are quite prepared to attack live chicks,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- if they can. - CHICKS CHIRP
0:10:47 > 0:10:49The penguins use their body as a shield,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51protecting their chicks.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58The vulture can't penetrate the centre of the colony,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01so he tries his luck along the borders.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06SQUAWKING
0:11:06 > 0:11:10But Rockhoppers are pugnacious birds.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21He even leaves his nest, to drive the threat away.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25It's a brave, but risky move.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Another vulture sneaks in and grabs his chick.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39The colony can't protect itself
0:11:39 > 0:11:41without risking more lives.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44But reinforcements arrive.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47The females, back from fishing.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Their massed ranks are an intimidating sight.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56SQUAWKING
0:11:58 > 0:12:00The vulture tries to eat what he can,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03but the penguin army has other ideas.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06THEY SQUAWK
0:12:06 > 0:12:10While the vultures fight among themselves, the penguins hold back.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22When the squabbling's over, they press home their attack.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25THEY SCREECH FEROCIOUSLY
0:12:25 > 0:12:27The vultures retreat
0:12:27 > 0:12:28and the victors return
0:12:28 > 0:12:30to their partners.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33A well-earned celebration.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36THEY CLUCK
0:12:40 > 0:12:42The mother hasn't seen her chick before,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45but she takes over responsibilities immediately.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50Her first job is to give the chick
0:12:50 > 0:12:52a fresh fish meal.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04At the Emperor colony,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06the dads are still waiting.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09With no food left,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12eating snow eases hunger and thirst.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24But if their partners don't arrive soon,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26the males will have to abandon their precious chicks
0:13:26 > 0:13:28and return to the sea.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38CHICK CHIRRUPS
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Then, the sight they have waited for.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48The females trekked across a frozen ocean
0:13:48 > 0:13:50to arrive back in the nick of time.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55The chick has never seen her mother.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56She could be any one of
0:13:56 > 0:13:58the new arrivals.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07The mother is equally keen to see her new chick,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10but she must first find her mate,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13among more than 3,000 males.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15She rushes into the crowd,
0:14:15 > 0:14:16nothing stands in her way.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31But there's a problem.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35THEY CHITTER AND CLUCK
0:14:35 > 0:14:40She's now stuck in the middle and no closer to finding her mate.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But the males have a solution.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49They peel away and form an orderly line.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Their chicks are safely tucked in
0:14:53 > 0:14:55the brood pouch between their legs.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00To help their partners,
0:15:00 > 0:15:02they have formed an identity parade.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08The female inspects them, one by one.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14THEY CHITTER
0:15:16 > 0:15:18She finally catches sight of her mate...
0:15:24 > 0:15:26..and calls to check it's really him.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Her partner takes himself out of the line.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38A couple once more, she views her chick for the first time.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42CHICK CHIRRUPS
0:15:45 > 0:15:48It should be her turn to look after the baby,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50but her partner's not so sure.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56He may not have eaten for three months, but the bond
0:15:56 > 0:15:59with his chick is stronger than hunger.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03He finally accepts the inevitable,
0:16:03 > 0:16:04but transferring the chick
0:16:04 > 0:16:06needs perfect coordination.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Things could hardly have gone better.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27It's time for the father to leave for the ocean,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29but he's in no hurry.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36He makes his decision...
0:16:42 > 0:16:44CHICK CHIRRUPS
0:16:46 > 0:16:49..then has second thoughts.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54He endured the Antarctic winter all for the sake of this chick.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55Saying goodbye isn't easy.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02This time, there's no turning back.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08The mother rewards her chick
0:17:08 > 0:17:10with her first solid meal.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Lumps of fish so fresh, they appear as if they were caught yesterday.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Food is preserved for up to three months
0:17:24 > 0:17:27by unique antibiotics in the penguin's stomach.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32The male joins a leaving party.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36They won't return from the sea for around four weeks.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38THEY CHITTER
0:17:42 > 0:17:45In Peru, when Humboldt penguins go fishing,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47they are almost unrecognisable.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52They are plastered with muck from their burrows.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54THEY HONK
0:17:54 > 0:17:57The desert sun will soon cake the dirt into their plumage
0:17:57 > 0:17:59and they must take a bath to survive.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Unfortunately, it means leaving their chicks alone.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Predators have waited for this moment.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10THEY SQUAWK
0:18:13 > 0:18:17Belcher gulls - common killers of young chicks.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19GULLS CAW
0:18:25 > 0:18:30The chicks may seem defenceless, but they have a few surprises in store.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Their final deterrent is truly repulsive.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Gull's can't risk clogging their feathers.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57It seeks a more wholesome meal.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05At the Rockhopper colony,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07it's time for a change of shifts.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13The Rockhopper fathers have been relieved of parenting duties.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15It's now their turn to go fishing.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25THEY SQUAWK
0:19:31 > 0:19:34They have a 100-metre cliff to get down.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36They must take the knocks on the chin.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44THEY SQUAWK
0:19:56 > 0:19:59At the bottom, Rockcam prepares to film their departure.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Rockcam is here to observe, but some rules
0:20:17 > 0:20:18are made to be broken.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43They haven't been to sea for two weeks.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46They will soon be back in their element.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18WIND WHISTLES
0:21:20 > 0:21:23The male Emperors have yet to reach the sea.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33But sometimes, luck can go their way.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37A seal hole in the ice.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38It's a shortcut,
0:21:38 > 0:21:40a portal to the ocean below.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13After three months on land,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17they will spend the next four weeks in the open ocean,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19chasing fish along the edge of the ice sheet.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22They're back in their natural home.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Before the Humboldts can take their bath,
0:22:33 > 0:22:35they must cross a dangerous barrier.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Sea lions block their route to the sea.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41SEA LIONS SNARL
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Descending the cliff is the easy bit.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56On the shore, they must walk on tiptoe
0:22:56 > 0:22:58to avoid disturbing the sleeping giants.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Sea lions are deadly predators in the sea,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11but they're lazy and sleepy on land.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20It should be just a matter of
0:23:20 > 0:23:22not waking them up.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32The first finds a safe route.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34The rest sneak up behind.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45They squeeze between the mass of slumbering blubber and the rocks.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53SEA LION BARKS
0:23:53 > 0:23:55They're spotted...
0:23:55 > 0:23:56SEA LIONS GROWL
0:24:03 > 0:24:05..but they escape just in time.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10The penguins make a last dash to the sea.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19They need their bath.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Their plumage must be
0:24:21 > 0:24:23in perfect condition for fishing.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31A new Humboldtcam arrives.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32It's a robotic submersible,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34with a camera in its eye.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41The shy penguins are relaxed in its presence
0:24:41 > 0:24:43and they can be filmed underwater
0:24:43 > 0:24:45for the first time.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The sea around is overflowing with fish.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04The shoals thrive on the nutrients brought here
0:25:04 > 0:25:06by the Humboldt current.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07This cold upwelling
0:25:07 > 0:25:09allows these penguins to survive
0:25:09 > 0:25:10so close to the Equator.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23But the fish shoals attract more than just penguins.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26A fur seal surfaces near Humboldtcam.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Unlike sea lions, they rarely kill penguins,
0:25:30 > 0:25:31but they do love
0:25:31 > 0:25:32chasing them for fun.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13If the penguins are to fish in peace,
0:26:13 > 0:26:15they must brave the open ocean.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29Back with the Emperors, the females are now firmly in charge.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Their first big challenge arrives - an Antarctic blizzard.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39The penguins protect their chicks
0:26:39 > 0:26:41by turning their backs to the wind.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43THEY CHITTER
0:26:46 > 0:26:48But soon, it's not enough.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58The chicks are still exposed to the swirling winds.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00To survive the worsening weather,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02they must huddle closer together.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07They start to gather in even greater numbers.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19PENGUINS CHITTER
0:27:20 > 0:27:22A huge mass of penguins
0:27:22 > 0:27:24can share warmth and shelter.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29But the crush means it's a risky place
0:27:29 > 0:27:30for a young chick to be.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36At first, penguins with chicks circulate on the outside,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38avoiding the pressure within.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39As the weather worsens,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43they'll all have to look for a place to tuck in.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Eventually, a huge huddle forms.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53THEY CHITTER
0:27:55 > 0:27:58While those in the centre are warm and protected,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01those on the outside are still struggling.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08To share the heat around,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10the penguins take tiny steps
0:28:10 > 0:28:11to change position.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Waves of movement ripple through the huddle,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17giving everyone a chance to have a go in the centre.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26The huddle is so efficient, penguins in the inner core can even overheat.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33As these penguins try to cool down,
0:28:33 > 0:28:34the colony starts to break up.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40The collapse acts as a release valve, shedding excess heat.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54But it's dangerous for the chick.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58As everyone moves position,
0:28:58 > 0:29:00some mothers topple in the crush.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09She tries to stop her full weight
0:29:09 > 0:29:10falling on her chick.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14Getting back up
0:29:14 > 0:29:16is especially difficult,
0:29:16 > 0:29:18with a chick nestled in her pouch.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Her care finally pays off.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33She and her chick rejoin the huddle as it starts to reform.
0:29:41 > 0:29:42Not all have been so lucky.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53This penguin has been searching for
0:29:53 > 0:29:54her lost chick.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02SHE CALLS
0:30:07 > 0:30:09SHE CONTINUES CALLING
0:30:14 > 0:30:16She hopes it might still be alive.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Her pouch is the only lifesaver she knows.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34A female companion
0:30:34 > 0:30:35shows her concern.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44SHE CALLS
0:30:53 > 0:30:56The mother invested everything into her chick.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58To lose it is a tragedy.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16She will have to wait another year.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40In Peru, the young chicks face other risks - they are hungry.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46On the shore below, their mother returns from her fishing trip.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50She has plenty of food, but getting back to her chicks won't be easy.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54The sea lions have woken up.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Alone, she's an easy target.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06A booby bird has already paid the price.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08SEA LIONS GROWL
0:32:11 > 0:32:16After a good sleep, the sea lions are ready for a meal.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18They even clamber the rocks
0:32:18 > 0:32:19that sometimes offer escape.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22SEA LIONS SNARL
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Using the enemy as stepping stones
0:32:29 > 0:32:30is never going to work.
0:32:32 > 0:32:37She freezes, trapped by several tons of immovable blubber.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48THEY GROWL
0:32:55 > 0:32:58She finds a gap, but doesn't get far.
0:33:02 > 0:33:03PENGUIN HONKS
0:33:06 > 0:33:09She keeps them at bay by pecking their noses.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12But she can't reach her chicks while the sea lions are so active.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26She must play a waiting game, but her chicks are hungry and alone.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35In the Antarctic,
0:33:35 > 0:33:37the chicks can no longer
0:33:37 > 0:33:39squeeze into their mother's pouch.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Walking on Mum's feet
0:33:43 > 0:33:45exercises the chick's legs,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47before she takes steps of her own.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Some have yet to get the hang of it.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Even the experts can end up in trouble.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12The chick's fluffy down and her mother's pouch
0:34:12 > 0:34:14help cushion the blows.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21She's become familiar with every kind of snow,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25but she has yet to step foot on any of it herself.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28This is about to change.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37Her first baby step.
0:34:39 > 0:34:40MOTHER PENGUIN CHITTERS
0:34:45 > 0:34:47She stands on her own two feet
0:34:47 > 0:34:49for the first time.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Like any toddler,
0:34:52 > 0:34:53she's a bit unsteady.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58But Mum offers tough love.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09The ice is covered by tiny chicks,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11all trying out their new legs.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15for the mums, it can all get a bit confusing.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18As the chicks gain confidence,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21they start to hesitantly follow their mothers.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22CHICKS CHIRRUP
0:35:42 > 0:35:46But once she tastes freedom, there's no stopping her.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54She tumbles out of sight of her mother.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05CHICK CHIRRUPS
0:36:06 > 0:36:08She struggles to regain her composure.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12At this size, every lump of snow is like a boulder.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21CHIRRUPING
0:36:38 > 0:36:42Separated from her mother, the colony is a reassuring sight.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Back on the flat, her confidence returns.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03She heads for the security of the huddle.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12But now she's lost in the crowds...
0:37:14 > 0:37:16..and out of sight of her mother.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Her mother calls.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23LOUD CHIRPING
0:37:27 > 0:37:30But her chick is lost in a penguin maze.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41She starts to realise the danger she's in.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44PENGUINS CHIRP
0:37:47 > 0:37:49She won't survive alone for long.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03In Peru, the cameras are operating using low-light technology.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08The Humboldt chicks are long overdue a feed.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Their mother is still trapped on the beach with the sea lions.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18But she has gained an advantage.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20She often hunts at night,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23so her night vision is better than the sea lions'.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25This gives her confidence.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29SEA LIONS GRUNT
0:38:36 > 0:38:38She holds her ground, but sea lions
0:38:38 > 0:38:40aren't the only danger here.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Vampire bats have woken up.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56She tries to sneak away,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58but the sea lions block her path.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04The vampires skip among them, looking for a meal.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Sea lions make a larger target
0:39:12 > 0:39:14and are easier to sneak up on.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23But he feels the bat's razor incision.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25It must find a less suspecting victim.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33The bat's saliva encourages the blood to flow.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34She's soon lapping it up.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41With the sea lions distracted by the vampires,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43the penguin creeps back to her nest.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Her hungry chicks finally get the meal they were waiting for.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12In the Antarctic,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14the weather is on the turn again...
0:40:18 > 0:40:20..and the chick is still lost.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33If her mother doesn't find her soon,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36she'll perish. She calls.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41But the deepening snow deadens the sound.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48She's protected by down,
0:40:48 > 0:40:49but it's not enough.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58She's beginning to struggle against the cold.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Then, just in time, a mother's warmth.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52In the Falklands, Rockhoppercam waits for the males
0:41:52 > 0:41:54to return from their fishing trip.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02In the two weeks they've been away, they may have travelled
0:42:02 > 0:42:05over a thousand miles in their quest for food.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23They arrive in small landing parties, but numbers build,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25as they come ashore.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Rockhoppercam watches, as they start the long ascent
0:42:34 > 0:42:35to their partners and chicks.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Popular routes form bottlenecks.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49It's so easy to be in the wrong place.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02But Rockhoppercam always picks itself back up again.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10Their partners may be waiting,
0:43:10 > 0:43:12but once over the first hurdle,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14the males have other ideas.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17They go to the spa.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23This natural shower washes off the sea salt
0:43:23 > 0:43:25that penetrates their feathers.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37It also quenches their thirst.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44The shower is in high demand.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Disputes break out over whose turn it is to have a go.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01No-one can bathe in peace for more than a few moments.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19But one smart penguin has an idea.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24He deploys a mountaineering technique
0:44:24 > 0:44:25known as a chimney climb.
0:44:27 > 0:44:28And at the top,
0:44:28 > 0:44:31all any penguin requires -
0:44:31 > 0:44:33his own private power shower.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47He's enjoying himself so much,
0:44:47 > 0:44:49he's in no rush to get back to his partner.
0:44:57 > 0:44:58While he was away,
0:44:58 > 0:45:02the female hasn't left her chicks' side for a single moment.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Gulls watch for any lapse of concentration.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14CHICK CHIRRUPS
0:45:21 > 0:45:22They snatch a chick
0:45:22 > 0:45:24the moment a back is turned.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31Skuas add to the mounting toll...
0:45:40 > 0:45:42..and soon, some pairs are left
0:45:42 > 0:45:44without any chicks at all.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54The bereaved couples are desperate.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00They look for another chick
0:46:00 > 0:46:01to care for,
0:46:01 > 0:46:03and they don't mind
0:46:03 > 0:46:04if it's someone else's.
0:46:07 > 0:46:08They plan a kidnap.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14The mother's defence is to sit tight
0:46:14 > 0:46:16and stop her chick being stolen.
0:46:21 > 0:46:22But the kidnappers
0:46:22 > 0:46:25won't be put off easily.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32Just in time, her partner returns,
0:46:32 > 0:46:34spruced up from the shower.
0:46:40 > 0:46:42He takes on the would-be kidnappers.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51The fight gets even more heated,
0:46:51 > 0:46:54but there are few tougher than a Rockhopper.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57They can take the punishment, as well as dish it out.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02The baby-snatchers have had enough
0:47:02 > 0:47:04and the male returns to his mate.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08He might need another shower,
0:47:08 > 0:47:10but at least his chick is safe.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Kidnapping is also rife
0:47:19 > 0:47:21in the Emperor colony.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23The newly-walking chicks are irresistible to females
0:47:23 > 0:47:25that have lost their own chicks
0:47:25 > 0:47:27or failed to breed.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30The mother tries to repel the kidnappers
0:47:30 > 0:47:33with a few well-aimed pecks.
0:47:33 > 0:47:34But they won't give up.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43And others had the same idea.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50The chick heads for the main colony,
0:47:50 > 0:47:52hoping to find protection among the crowds.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03She disappears in a mass of bodies...
0:48:05 > 0:48:07..and reappears alone.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13But it's only for a moment.
0:48:13 > 0:48:14A large crowd has gathered,
0:48:14 > 0:48:16all trying to adopt the chick.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21She's soon overwhelmed by doting admirers.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33One child snatcher tries to force
0:48:33 > 0:48:34the chick into her pouch,
0:48:34 > 0:48:36but she's way too big.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40She makes a break for it,
0:48:40 > 0:48:42then gives them the run-around through the colony.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59Finally, they have her surrounded.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01They're all desperate to mother her.
0:49:13 > 0:49:14She's in danger
0:49:14 > 0:49:16of being smothered with love.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27But the fluffball is accidently flipped away...
0:49:28 > 0:49:30..and caught by her mother.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45She'll stay closer to her next time.
0:49:50 > 0:49:51At the Rockhopper colony,
0:49:51 > 0:49:53yet more predators are gathering.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59A striated caracara,
0:49:59 > 0:50:01another chick hunter.
0:50:11 > 0:50:12As ever, the Rockhoppers
0:50:12 > 0:50:14leap to the colony's defence.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20The caracara finds what he thinks
0:50:20 > 0:50:21is an easy meal.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27With all the real eggs hatched,
0:50:27 > 0:50:29eggcam is an irresistible temptation.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31It not only looks like a real egg...
0:50:33 > 0:50:35..it rolls like one too.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00With eggcam finally in his claws,
0:51:00 > 0:51:02he does what comes naturally -
0:51:02 > 0:51:04takes it into the air.
0:51:09 > 0:51:10A quick readjustment,
0:51:10 > 0:51:12and eggcam captures the first aerial
0:51:12 > 0:51:15of a penguin colony, shot by a flying bird.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24But then eggcam slips from his grasp.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32But immediately, it catches the eye of a turkey vulture.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44The game continues with different players.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07Finally, eggcam is back in the Rockhopper colony.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15This childless couple can hardly believe their luck.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Eggcam is a gift from the skies.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22She tenderly takes it into her nest.
0:52:31 > 0:52:32For a few moments,
0:52:32 > 0:52:34she even tries to incubate it.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36But she won't be fooled for long.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Back in Peru, the rest of the fishing party have finally arrived.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57While they've been away, the nesting colony has undergone an invasion
0:52:57 > 0:53:01far greater than anything the Rockhoppers have faced.
0:53:06 > 0:53:07Their numbers
0:53:07 > 0:53:09have to be seen to be believed.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13There are half a million birds in all.
0:53:17 > 0:53:18Guanay cormorants.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24Global weather has pushed the birds southwards
0:53:24 > 0:53:27and they've gathered in far greater numbers than normal.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33For the returning males, it's utterly bewildering.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40For the females and their young,
0:53:40 > 0:53:42it's a disaster.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55The cormorants nest outside the colony,
0:53:55 > 0:53:57but the penguins and their chicks
0:53:57 > 0:53:59are just where these invaders
0:53:59 > 0:54:00prefer to take off.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Their chicks could easily be trampled
0:54:04 > 0:54:07if the cormorants overshoot the runway.
0:54:10 > 0:54:11The young take cover
0:54:11 > 0:54:13as the invaders move ever closer,
0:54:13 > 0:54:15pushed forward by the others,
0:54:15 > 0:54:17eager to take off.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26And that was just the start.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29Thousands upon thousands are stacked up behind.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34The Humboldts just have to hold their ground
0:54:34 > 0:54:36and protect their chicks the best they can.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43She shields her offspring.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46She has never experienced anything like it.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06She even tries to snatch the cormorants from the air.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16As the cormorants stream out to sea,
0:55:16 > 0:55:18the pressure is released.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27It takes a whole hour for them to leave.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35With most of the cormorants gone,
0:55:35 > 0:55:38the males can finally return to their young.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47The family is reunited,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50and Dad has brought back dinner.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05At the Emperor colony,
0:56:05 > 0:56:06the freezing winter
0:56:06 > 0:56:08has kept other predators at bay.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10But spring brings new dangers.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23A giant petrel suddenly arrives,
0:56:23 > 0:56:25looking for a meal.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28He weighs up his options.
0:56:30 > 0:56:34Chicks protected by their mother are difficult to catch.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42Mum's pouch is now of little use,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45it just hides the danger from view.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48But it's the mother that keeps the petrel at bay.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54While some rely on their mother for protection,
0:56:54 > 0:56:56others huddle together.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00He tests the group's reaction,
0:57:00 > 0:57:01to see if any will run.
0:57:06 > 0:57:07By breaking up the huddle,
0:57:07 > 0:57:09he can isolate a victim.
0:57:20 > 0:57:21He gets one.
0:57:33 > 0:57:35But he only has it by her feathers.
0:57:39 > 0:57:40She breaks free
0:57:40 > 0:57:42and runs to her mother.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50PENGUIN SQUAWKS
0:57:53 > 0:57:55Petrels are huge birds,
0:57:55 > 0:57:57but they still won't mess with
0:57:57 > 0:57:58an adult Emperor.
0:58:04 > 0:58:06Protected by her mother,
0:58:06 > 0:58:08the chick survived another day.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11But soon, the parents will leave
0:58:11 > 0:58:14and these chicks have to stand on their own two feet.
0:58:17 > 0:58:20Next time, from the frozen Antarctic
0:58:20 > 0:58:21to the scorching desert,
0:58:21 > 0:58:23we discover the challenges
0:58:23 > 0:58:24faced by all our chicks,
0:58:24 > 0:58:27as they learn to become adult penguins.
0:58:52 > 0:58:57Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd