0:00:02 > 0:00:04Penguins - behind their feisty charm
0:00:04 > 0:00:07lies an amazing character.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12These cheeky birds have to bring up their chicks
0:00:12 > 0:00:14against the most extraordinary odds.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17Spycams discover
0:00:17 > 0:00:20just how special they really are.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28From the freezing Antarctic...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32..to the scorching tropics...
0:00:33 > 0:00:37..this is the story of Nature's most devoted parents,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40filmed as never before.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53It's late spring in the Antarctic.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Like all our chicks, the emperors are growing up,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59having been born and raised in some of
0:00:59 > 0:01:01the most extreme conditions on Earth.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Since they were born two months ago,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09they have depended on their devoted parents for everything.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13But soon, they will have to start fending more for themselves.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19In just three months, they will take the biggest steps in their lives
0:01:19 > 0:01:21and make the long journey to the sea.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Only then will they truly learn
0:01:24 > 0:01:27how to become adult penguins.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32Chickcam provides a chick's-eye view,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35as they start to become more independent.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Already, they are spending more time away from their parents
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and huddling together for both comfort and company.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49But when you're the smallest,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52it's always difficult to join the big kids' club.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59This chick must find a space.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01The huddle is now his only source of warmth.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16It helps if someone gives you a little room.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Although they spend most of their time together,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25they still rely on
0:02:25 > 0:02:27their parents for regular meals.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35With the frozen sea shrinking,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37each parent returns around once a week.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40They face the same problem -
0:02:40 > 0:02:42their chicks all look the same.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46They're growing fast, and always hungry,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49so they beg a fish meal from anyone.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54The father checks the call -
0:02:54 > 0:02:56this one's an imposter.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06He's immediately hassled by more chicks,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08all trying to cadge a meal.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13With over 2,000 chicks to inspect,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15checking them all could take a very long time.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20So he approaches each group in turn
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and tests who reacts to his call.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24HE CALLS
0:03:26 > 0:03:27A chick responds.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29But she's stuck in the huddle,
0:03:29 > 0:03:30with no way out.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34There's just one thing for it -
0:03:34 > 0:03:36she bodysurfs across the crowd.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Made it, but she still must prove her identity.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55If the father feeds the wrong chick,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58the week he spent fishing would be wasted.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04He takes her clear of the huddle and completes further character checks.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08It's her tiny call
0:04:08 > 0:04:10that provides conclusive proof.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12SHE CALLS
0:04:17 > 0:04:20She's gets her just reward.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32In the Falklands,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35the rockhopper chicks are equally demanding.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Now the human equivalent of teenagers,
0:04:40 > 0:04:41they have appetites to match.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Rockhoppers are feisty birds,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48but these hassled parents
0:04:48 > 0:04:52struggle to satisfy their chicks' ravenous appetites.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05To feed the ever-hungry mouths,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08both parents must start fishing non-stop.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23A stream of overworked penguins depart for the sea.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28For the first time,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31the chicks are left all alone, without a parent to care for them.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41The few grown-ups that remain peck at any stragglers.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54They force the chicks closer together.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04These aren't official babysitters,
0:06:04 > 0:06:06they're just adults that haven't bred this year.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21But as a result of their constant harrying,
0:06:21 > 0:06:25the chicks are gathered into a creche.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Although not much nurturing goes on,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30the chicks are safer if they're huddled together.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39In the tropical deserts of Peru,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43the Humboldt penguins are also spending more time fishing
0:06:43 > 0:06:45and less time looking after their chicks.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54Like the rockhoppers, they can never get enough food.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57THEY SQUAWK
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Their incessant begging drives their parents to endlessly go fishing.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27Each journey involves yet another trek across the hot desert.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37Humboldtcam watches the daily challenges these penguins face.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39But with birds arriving and departing non-stop,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41the spycam is working overtime.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48The penguins may be making the journey more often,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50but it doesn't get any easier.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02The cliff path was carved by the feet of countless generations.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04It's still treacherous.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08But this is the Humboldts' lucky day.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16At the bottom is a bed of feathers,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18blown here from thousands of sea birds moulting
0:08:18 > 0:08:20in the colonies above.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24It provides a soft landing
0:08:24 > 0:08:27for any that lose their footing.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34It's the easiest descent they've ever made.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42They jump in feet first...
0:08:42 > 0:08:44and enjoy the ride
0:09:14 > 0:09:17The feathers may have cushioned the fall,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20but for Humboldts, nothing's ever that easy.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27The beach, once occupied by seals,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30has been invaded by hundreds of Guanay Cormorants.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37The Humboldts merge into the crowd,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39as they pick their way through.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Luckily, cormorants are one of the few creatures here
0:09:45 > 0:09:47that don't attack penguins.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50But by chasing off the seals,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53they have simply shifted the problem.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Fortunately, cormorants hate seals
0:09:58 > 0:10:00as much as penguins do.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05They mob them relentlessly,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07making their lives a misery.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21The seals only find peace
0:10:21 > 0:10:23at the edge of the beach.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31For once, things have gone in the Humboldts' favour.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40The cormorants may have cleared the area,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43but the penguins now have to compete with them for fish.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45It's lucky that in these rich waters,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47there's plenty to go round.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56In the Antarctic, the chick spycamera
0:10:56 > 0:10:58is proving a real hit with penguins
0:10:58 > 0:11:01who haven't managed to breed this year.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04One even tries to take the spycam under her wing.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07PENGUIN CALLS
0:11:07 > 0:11:11But it's a real chick that reacts to her contact call.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14PENGUIN TWEETS
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Even so, the adult seems to prefer Chickcam.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27As usual, this penguincam
0:11:27 > 0:11:30is accepted as just another bird in the colony.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33PENGUIN CALLS
0:11:34 > 0:11:37But Chickcam has work to do.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40The real chicks are growing up fast.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44They now spend most of their day in the huddle,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46while the adults watch from the sidelines.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51They only meet at feeding time.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55When a parent tries to join her chick
0:11:55 > 0:11:59without calling it from the huddle, confusion reigns.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11The disturbed chicks immediately
0:12:11 > 0:12:13latch on to any adult that passes.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Getting anywhere becomes almost impossible.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25As the parents' patience runs out,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27the chicks are forced to toughen up.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Chicks, used to being doted on,
0:12:41 > 0:12:42find it hard being left alone.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46But like a mother leaving her child at school,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48it's best not to make a fuss.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55As Mum leaves for the sea, the chick tries to follow.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08But his mother doesn't look back.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17More parents leave, but the chicks won't cross an invisible boundary.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20From now on, they'll only see their parents
0:13:20 > 0:13:22when they return with food.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31The few parents left behind are the nearest they have to childminders.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42But they won't receive the same tender care they've been used to.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53The chicks are all learning to grow up.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Like the emperors, the rockhopper adolescents
0:14:03 > 0:14:06spend most of their time waiting for their parents to return.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10It's easy for them to get bored.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13And that's when predators take them by surprise.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Fortunately, they're now quite a challenge for gulls and skuas.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27And there are always a few adults standing guard.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37With time to kill, a chick starts exploring.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50For a social bird, being alone is never a good idea.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55A giant petrel -
0:14:55 > 0:14:58a predator still to be feared.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03And an adventurous chick is just what he's after.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12He's grabbed by his feathers!
0:15:18 > 0:15:20The petrel loses its grip
0:15:20 > 0:15:22and the guardians pile in.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33Together, they overpower the most feared predator of penguin colonies.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40The petrel must accept defeat.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49The chick may have escaped,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51but he can't expect sympathy.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57With a few pecks,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00he's unceremoniously dispatched back to the creche.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Even though emperors live over 4,000 miles away,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19they face the same penguin predator.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22The petrel's arrival
0:16:22 > 0:16:25causes a wave of anxiety through the colony.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32But dividing the group was exactly what he was after.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Their best defence is to re-form their huddle -
0:16:39 > 0:16:42there's always safety in numbers.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52They create a wall of bodies,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54difficult for the attacker to penetrate.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55The petrel tries to grab any
0:16:55 > 0:16:57that aren't safely tucked in.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06But the chicks have learnt to fight back.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Everywhere the petrel goes,
0:17:24 > 0:17:25he meets a wall of resistance.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Here, his best chance is to break up the huddle
0:17:31 > 0:17:33then single out a solitary chick.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40But even the placid emperor will fight back,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42and he wields a sharp weapon.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48For now, the penguins have isolated the threat.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57As night falls in Peru,
0:17:57 > 0:18:02low-light spycams pick up new dangers facing the Humboldt chicks.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08An old enemy is back.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Vampire bats. They normally attack
0:18:14 > 0:18:16the sea lions along the shore,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19but young penguins provide a tasty alternative.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43The adults may be aware of the dangers,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45but the chicks suspect nothing.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50And few creatures are as sneaky as a vampire.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02With so many chicks to choose from,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04the bats are ultimately guaranteed a meal.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11The unlikely scene of a vampire bat
0:19:11 > 0:19:13feeding on a penguin
0:19:13 > 0:19:15has never been filmed before.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22The greatest danger is loss of blood,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24which, over time weakens the chicks,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26and the bats also carry diseases,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28such as rabies.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36The adults must be on constant alert
0:19:36 > 0:19:38to repel the bats from the colony.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43They are far from defenceless.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46Kicking dirt in the bat's face
0:19:46 > 0:19:48is a favourite tactic.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59This is their ultimate deterrent.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04But hitting the right target
0:20:04 > 0:20:06can be dangerously hit-or-miss.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Soon, the chicks have another reason
0:20:16 > 0:20:17to leave for the sea -
0:20:17 > 0:20:19they all need a bath!
0:20:26 > 0:20:27At the emperor colony,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29an ice rink has suddenly appeared!
0:20:32 > 0:20:34A slight thaw, and then a freeze,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38creates a chance to try out new skills.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40But penguin feet
0:20:40 > 0:20:42don't make the greatest ice skates.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53For everyone, it takes a while
0:20:53 > 0:20:54to master the technique.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58As every skater knows,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00the splits are a bad move.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Soon, everyone has a go.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12In a world of ice and snow,
0:21:12 > 0:21:13it's a skill that will always
0:21:13 > 0:21:15come in useful.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24And there's nothing like individual tuition
0:21:24 > 0:21:26to speed up learning.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50But for every success,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52there are always setbacks.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00And even the experts make mistakes.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07After all that practice,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09a well-earned rest.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28The rockhopper chicks prefer to save their energy
0:22:28 > 0:22:30until their parents return with food.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Below, fishing parties arrive
0:22:34 > 0:22:36with fresh supplies all the time.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59They all take the same perilous route back up the cliffs
0:22:59 > 0:23:02to their nests, but today, the sea is especially rough.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Faced by the trickiest jump of all,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18they decide better of it.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26It was a wise decision,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29the Atlantic swell is massive today.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37There is another route, but it's rarely used.
0:23:37 > 0:23:38And for good reason.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43There's just enough room for one at a time.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45With a full stomach,
0:23:45 > 0:23:46it's quite a squeeze.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Rockhoppercam watches those
0:23:53 > 0:23:54that make it through.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04But back at the entrance,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06a queue starts to form.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10More are backing up behind,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12it's getting crowded.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17And this penguin doesn't like queue-jumpers at all.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25PENGUIN SQUAWKS
0:24:27 > 0:24:29While he tries to control the crowds,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32some sneak past and take his place.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40But he seems more concerned with managing the gatecrashers
0:24:40 > 0:24:42than missing his turn.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54It's like trying to keep back the tide.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00He finally gives up and goes through himself.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11With the penguins reduced to single file,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14it will be hours before they all arrive back at the colony.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Most chicks will have a long wait for their supper.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28The first parents to arrive are immediately besieged by chicks
0:25:28 > 0:25:30trying to blag a meal.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41Like emperors,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45the adults must identify their own chicks among the crowds.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Imposters are soon sent packing.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Each parent uses a distinct call that the chick can recognise.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05In turn, the adult knows the unique chirrup of its offspring.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07PENGUIN CALLS
0:26:07 > 0:26:10CHICK CHIRRUPS
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Identity checked and confirmed.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29The parents lead their chick away from the begging masses,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31to feed him undisturbed.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Soon, he'll be big enough
0:26:39 > 0:26:41to leave for the sea.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49At the emperor colony,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53the chicks are also getting close to becoming independent.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55In any class, there is always one
0:26:55 > 0:26:57more advanced than any other.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00This one's nearly as big as his mother.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03He's now putting away five kilos of fish in a single session
0:27:03 > 0:27:05and it's almost impossible
0:27:05 > 0:27:06to keep up with his demands.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08CHICK SQUAWKS
0:27:13 > 0:27:14With all this food,
0:27:14 > 0:27:18he's putting on huge reserves of protein, stored in his muscle.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30It's just as well he's big for his age.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Little does he know, this will be
0:27:32 > 0:27:34the last meal she'll give him.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Without fuss or ceremony,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45she leaves for the sea.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59He doesn't know it yet,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01but she and most of the other parents
0:28:01 > 0:28:05are quietly leaving their chicks and the colony for good.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12The chicks, unaware of the great change in their lives,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15are left with just a few adults for company.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22They won't see their once-devoted parents ever again.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30The rockhopper chicks have also reached a turning point.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Before they can enter the ocean,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37they must preen off their baby down.
0:28:42 > 0:28:43Gradually, they reveal
0:28:43 > 0:28:46the sleek adult feathers beneath.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Eggcam captures some of the punk styles
0:28:55 > 0:28:57that have started to appear.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10But before they become proper rockhoppers,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13they have one more skill to master -
0:29:13 > 0:29:14hopping.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Jumping is infectious,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33and everyone joins in.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34It's all about
0:29:34 > 0:29:36strengthening the leg muscles.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53Even Eggcam
0:29:53 > 0:29:55gets caught up in the excitement.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15In the Antarctic,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19the melting ice-edge moves closer to the colony each day.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26The few remaining adults prepare to return to the place
0:30:26 > 0:30:27they love the best.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Emperorcam was with them when they arrived,
0:30:48 > 0:30:51and it's with them as they leave.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57As it discovered, no other bird endures so much
0:30:57 > 0:31:02for the sake of their chicks and none is more devoted.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06In just four months, they will return here to breed once more,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10but for a brief time, their job is done.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20But Emperorcam isn't alone for long.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Adelies - the only other penguins
0:31:26 > 0:31:29to breed in the true Antarctic.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33They have a timeshare arrangement
0:31:33 > 0:31:35with the emperors,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37taking over the rocks around their breeding area
0:31:37 > 0:31:39once the chicks have left.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45On the shore, another penguincam
0:31:45 > 0:31:46captures a different view of
0:31:46 > 0:31:48the new penguin invasion.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Over 100,000 will arrive
0:31:57 > 0:31:59over the next three weeks.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Emperorcam moves in for a closer look.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Adelies are belligerent little penguins
0:32:15 > 0:32:18that won't let anything stand in their way.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Fortunately, they seem to have a soft spot for Emperorcam.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31Back in the colony,
0:32:31 > 0:32:33the emperor chicks are discovering
0:32:33 > 0:32:35what life is like on their own.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Many haven't fed for over a week.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50With hunger comes a change in behaviour.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55They become restless and start to react
0:32:55 > 0:32:57to the distant call of the sea.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06They leave their icy birthplace and start their journey.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17They discover a very different world
0:33:17 > 0:33:19than the smooth ice they've left behind.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Every task they face hones skills
0:33:39 > 0:33:41that will be essential
0:33:41 > 0:33:42later in life.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53All the time,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56they still keep moving towards the sea.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Although sometimes,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07it's one step forward and two back.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16In Peru, the Humboldt chicks
0:34:16 > 0:34:17are just 12 weeks old,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20but they're also ready to leave the colony.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27As adult fishing parties head for the sea,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30the more adventurous of these chicks
0:34:30 > 0:34:31decide to join them.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36The youngsters are nervous.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37They've never left the colony before
0:34:37 > 0:34:40and now they're having to cross the desert.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55The cormorants are a bewildering sight.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Once, thousands overran the Humboldt colony.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05He now has to face them again.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09For his adult guides, it's all in a day's work.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12For the chick, it's a different matter.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21To add to his confusion,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23more cormorants just keep coming.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25There's nowhere for him to hide.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29He's totally surrounded,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32and his penguin guides have vanished.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35Half a million birds
0:35:35 > 0:35:37are a lot to cope with
0:35:37 > 0:35:38when you're just three months old.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Alone, he doesn't even know the way to the beach.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Then a sight that might help him -
0:35:56 > 0:35:58another fishing party,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00travelling to the sea.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04He races to catch them.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Together, they reach the cliff path.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11He immediately has second thoughts.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13It's a long way to the bottom.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23PENGUIN HONKS
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Some reassuring encouragement.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33It's just what he needs.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34He had reason to be nervous,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36the cliff path is steep
0:36:36 > 0:36:38and the soft bed of feathers has blown away.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44And once he starts,
0:36:44 > 0:36:46there's no going back.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Finally, he can fall no more.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10But as he's already discovering,
0:37:10 > 0:37:13for Humboldts, the challenges never end.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Hundreds of sea lions and seals
0:37:21 > 0:37:23are blocking the way to the sea.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30The adults have faced this ordeal many times,
0:37:30 > 0:37:33but for the chick, it's a new and frightening experience.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39The chick's too scared to move,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42but the adults know there is only one way to tackle them -
0:37:42 > 0:37:43and that's head-on.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48It might not seem a good idea,
0:37:48 > 0:37:50but it works.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06The chick misses his moment.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08The adults have left him behind.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21As he retreats along the cliff wall,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23he chances on the entrance to a sea cave.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29This secret passageway was used by some of the penguins
0:38:29 > 0:38:33when they first arrived. He now uses the tunnel in reverse.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Vampire bats lurk in the darkness,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41but by sprinting through the cave, he emerges unscathed.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52And more good fortune -
0:38:52 > 0:38:53the fishing party he was with
0:38:53 > 0:38:55has only just made it over the sea lions
0:38:55 > 0:38:58and are also approaching the sea.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Other chicks have made it too.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05He won't have to enter the sea alone.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12This is the first time he's ever seen water.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17It's not a gentle introduction.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23He keeps a foothold.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26He wants to go in when he's fully prepared.
0:39:33 > 0:39:34He finally plucks up courage.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43This cold sea will be his home
0:39:43 > 0:39:44for the next two years,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46until he returns back here to breed.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Finally, he is embraced by the waves.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15The emperor chick's introduction to water is a more gradual affair.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20In places, the ice has melted
0:40:20 > 0:40:22into pools of slush.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30He's never met a surface he can't walk on.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37None of the chicks have ever swum before
0:40:37 > 0:40:38and it takes them all
0:40:38 > 0:40:40by surprise.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48This natural paddling pool
0:40:48 > 0:40:50is the perfect chance to test out
0:40:50 > 0:40:52their flippers for real.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Swimming soon comes naturally.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Although getting out is never as easy as getting in.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19But they now face a far bigger challenge.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22The petrel is back.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30They try to flee, but running
0:41:30 > 0:41:32isn't an emperor's strong point.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38A slip, it's all the petrel needs.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48It has the chick by its neck feathers.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50But the down comes away
0:41:50 > 0:41:53and the chick disappears in the crowd.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Just as in the huddle, the chicks form a defensive circle
0:41:58 > 0:42:00and prepare to stand their ground.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12They might seem small and cuddly,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14but they're now nearly a metre tall -
0:42:14 > 0:42:16quite a fight, even for a petrel.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24The nearest chick towers to his full height,
0:42:24 > 0:42:26making himself bigger
0:42:26 > 0:42:28and protecting those behind.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37His defiance buys time.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39It's a stand-off.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Then, from out of the blue, a surprising ally.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55An adelie.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02The petrel has met these super-aggressive penguins before.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04The adelie confidently puts itself
0:43:04 > 0:43:05between the emperor chicks
0:43:05 > 0:43:07and danger.
0:43:13 > 0:43:14The petrel gives up,
0:43:14 > 0:43:16he knows when he's defeated.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24There are always other meals to be had.
0:43:27 > 0:43:28Accompanied by their rescuer,
0:43:28 > 0:43:31the emperors continue their journey to the sea.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39At the rockhopper colony,
0:43:39 > 0:43:41the chicks' big day has arrived.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47They all react to the same desire to explore the world beyond the colony.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53Like the Humboldts,
0:43:53 > 0:43:55the chicks join adults making a trip to the sea.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05They don't know it yet,
0:44:05 > 0:44:07but they're making a one-way journey.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19The rockhopper chicks have none of the Humboldt's fear,
0:44:19 > 0:44:21they're built to leap down cliffs.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24But at this age, they can't jump back up again.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29Like their parents,
0:44:29 > 0:44:31they're as tough as they come.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43They take scrambling down rocks
0:44:43 > 0:44:44in their stride,
0:44:44 > 0:44:46but a strange sight
0:44:46 > 0:44:48stops them in their tracks.
0:44:49 > 0:44:54Rockhoppers, looking like nothing they have ever seen before.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00They are young, non-breeding birds
0:45:00 > 0:45:03who came ashore especially to moult their old feathers.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15The chicks' parents will soon be doing the same.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18While in this unsightly state,
0:45:18 > 0:45:20they are marooned on land.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29They also become bad-tempered
0:45:29 > 0:45:31and hate being disturbed.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37The chicks are soon forced on.
0:45:40 > 0:45:42The frontrunners are nearly at the sea.
0:45:42 > 0:45:43They may be brave,
0:45:43 > 0:45:46but they haven't the skills of their parents.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33Not everyone is quite so gung-ho.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40This youngster thinks he's found a safer route.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53But while he's dithering,
0:46:53 > 0:46:55the others make it to the sea.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01They leap into the waves
0:47:01 > 0:47:02with typical rockhopper gusto.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30It might pay to be cautious,
0:47:30 > 0:47:32but the chick's companions
0:47:32 > 0:47:33have left without him.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35He's well and truly stuck.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48The emperor chicks are still being shadowed by the adelie,
0:47:48 > 0:47:50as they make their way to the sea.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55They stop for a rest and a preen.
0:47:57 > 0:48:01This is not what the adelie was expecting,
0:48:01 > 0:48:03and it doesn't go down well.
0:48:07 > 0:48:09He's determined to move them on.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16They may be twice his size,
0:48:16 > 0:48:18but that's not going to stop him.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22He might have helped them earlier,
0:48:22 > 0:48:25but he's now got a different agenda.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43He wants the emperors gone.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46He expects to have the place to himself.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57As the adelie drives the emperors away,
0:48:57 > 0:48:58they soon approach the sea.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04They may be close to the edge,
0:49:04 > 0:49:07but they show little interest in going in.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Many still have their baby fluff.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23They must lose it before entering the water.
0:49:26 > 0:49:28The adelie doesn't care,
0:49:28 > 0:49:30he just wants them gone for good.
0:49:33 > 0:49:35Gradually, he forces them closer
0:49:35 > 0:49:36to the edge of the ice.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Finally, one gets its first taste of the sea.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52Other adelies arrive,
0:49:52 > 0:49:53adding to the pressure.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03Another chick enters.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07Others get ready to join.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15But they're still covered in down,
0:50:15 > 0:50:17not the sleek penguins
0:50:17 > 0:50:19that are supposed to leave for the ocean.
0:50:20 > 0:50:23For a moment, the adelies have had their way,
0:50:23 > 0:50:25but the chicks aren't so sure.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28With all their fluff, they can't dive
0:50:28 > 0:50:32and could easily be captured by predators.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34They know they're in serious danger.
0:50:45 > 0:50:46They try to join the few
0:50:46 > 0:50:48who've already made it ashore.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57But if getting in was hard,
0:50:57 > 0:50:58getting out is even trickier.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14They use their bills as ice picks,
0:51:14 > 0:51:16just like their parents do.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30Next time, they'll enter
0:51:30 > 0:51:32only when they're good and ready,
0:51:32 > 0:51:35and then, they won't be coming back.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45The rockhopper chick is still stuck.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52Despite his caution, he ends up taking
0:51:52 > 0:51:54the biggest tumble of all.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06But his troubles aren't over yet.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11A caracara - a dangerous predator.
0:52:15 > 0:52:16Another joins.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20At the worst possible moment,
0:52:20 > 0:52:21he's completely outnumbered.
0:52:28 > 0:52:29But then...
0:52:29 > 0:52:31backup arrives!
0:52:32 > 0:52:35Steamer ducks -
0:52:35 > 0:52:37the most aggressive in the world.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42They hate caracaras and won't give up
0:52:42 > 0:52:43until every one is gone.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54The chick's not about to hang around.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00This time, he has some company
0:53:00 > 0:53:02for his final farewell.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21He takes the plunge, sliding down the rocks
0:53:21 > 0:53:22like it's a water shoot.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35But it's not over yet, the giant petrel is back -
0:53:35 > 0:53:36predatory to the last.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44The chick dives...
0:53:46 > 0:53:48..but immediately pops right up again.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50He's never been underwater before.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53This time, the petrel has him!
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Others close in for the kill.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00But the petrel loses his grip.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02This time, the penguin
0:54:02 > 0:54:05stays safely under for good,
0:54:05 > 0:54:07and joins the others in the sea.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18He will never look back.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22This is where he is meant to be.
0:54:27 > 0:54:28He'll spend the next three years
0:54:28 > 0:54:31learning the secrets of the sea,
0:54:31 > 0:54:33before he returns here to breed.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41He's now in his element...
0:54:41 > 0:54:43and gone in a flash.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50In Antarctica, a week has passed
0:54:50 > 0:54:52and the chicks
0:54:52 > 0:54:55are finally preparing to leave.
0:54:55 > 0:54:56Chickcam is there
0:54:56 > 0:54:57to watch them as they go.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06It was with them when they were born five months ago
0:55:06 > 0:55:08and has shared their challenges as they grew.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12But today is what the chicks
0:55:12 > 0:55:14have been preparing for.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16They will finally leave their ice world behind,
0:55:16 > 0:55:20to spend the coming years at sea.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25Gripped by a collective urge,
0:55:25 > 0:55:27they start to move as one.
0:55:31 > 0:55:32They seem to have a place in mind.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39They travel along the ice edge
0:55:39 > 0:55:41with a sense of purpose...
0:55:43 > 0:55:45..and stop at the very highest point.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49They have made their choice.
0:55:49 > 0:55:50This is where they will leave
0:55:50 > 0:55:52for the sea.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57The drop below is at least four metres.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00It's the biggest step they'll ever take.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04In the end,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06it's one chick who decides.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26He might be the first,
0:56:26 > 0:56:28he's far from the last.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47A cascade of penguins enter the sea.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53They have spent their early months of life on ice...
0:56:56 > 0:56:59..but this is where they were born to be.
0:57:05 > 0:57:09Like all the penguins whose stories we've followed, their success
0:57:09 > 0:57:11is due to the extraordinary devotion
0:57:11 > 0:57:13of their parents.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18In four years' time,
0:57:18 > 0:57:20these chicks will make the journey back
0:57:20 > 0:57:23and face the same extreme challenges,
0:57:23 > 0:57:26all to have young of their own.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30For now, they have a vast ocean to explore.
0:57:37 > 0:57:41Throughout all the filming, penguincams became
0:57:41 > 0:57:43part of the penguins' lives.
0:57:43 > 0:57:45They have witnessed countless events
0:57:45 > 0:57:48that have never been seen before,
0:57:48 > 0:57:50and even became part of the huddle.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55But being accepted also provoked jealousies.
0:57:56 > 0:58:00Then, as in all our Spy films,
0:58:00 > 0:58:02things didn't always go to plan.
0:58:52 > 0:58:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd