1 00:00:01,410 --> 00:00:05,690 Penguins - behind their feisty charm lies an amazing character. 2 00:00:08,930 --> 00:00:12,690 These cheeky birds have to bring up their chicks 3 00:00:12,690 --> 00:00:15,770 against the most extraordinary odds. 4 00:00:15,770 --> 00:00:19,050 SpyCams discover just how special they really are. 5 00:00:26,090 --> 00:00:29,810 From the freezing Antarctic... 6 00:00:29,810 --> 00:00:33,090 to the scorching tropics... 7 00:00:33,090 --> 00:00:36,770 this is the story of nature's most devoted parents - 8 00:00:36,770 --> 00:00:38,490 filmed as never before. 9 00:00:47,130 --> 00:00:50,530 A chick's-eye view of an emperor penguin's mum and dad. 10 00:00:54,210 --> 00:00:56,890 His parents have trekked across a frozen sea 11 00:00:56,890 --> 00:00:58,770 and battled blizzards to raise him. 12 00:01:02,410 --> 00:01:04,410 The Humboldt is just as dedicated. 13 00:01:06,330 --> 00:01:07,690 Shielding their chicks 14 00:01:07,690 --> 00:01:10,890 from the desert sun is just one of the many tasks they face. 15 00:01:13,770 --> 00:01:17,290 Rockhoppers rear their young in the storm-lashed South Atlantic. 16 00:01:22,170 --> 00:01:25,210 No other penguin is so daring and spirited. 17 00:01:27,650 --> 00:01:30,410 These parents will face huge challenges as they bring up 18 00:01:30,410 --> 00:01:32,690 chicks in the toughest places on Earth. 19 00:01:36,010 --> 00:01:40,810 Their struggles only end when their young leave for the ocean. 20 00:01:40,810 --> 00:01:43,090 But their incredible story begins 21 00:01:43,090 --> 00:01:45,930 long before their chicks are even born. 22 00:01:51,730 --> 00:01:56,850 The Antarctic is home to just 2 of the world's 17 types of penguin. 23 00:01:58,090 --> 00:02:01,930 But a new variety has just appeared - 24 00:02:01,930 --> 00:02:03,570 PenguinCam. 25 00:02:08,290 --> 00:02:12,530 As well as a camera in its body, there's another in its eye. 26 00:02:15,210 --> 00:02:18,610 It just has to wait for its legendary subjects to arrive. 27 00:02:40,970 --> 00:02:44,130 They are emperors - the world's tallest 28 00:02:44,130 --> 00:02:47,690 and most regal penguin, standing a metre high. 29 00:02:55,290 --> 00:02:57,770 Their curiosity is encouraging. 30 00:02:57,770 --> 00:02:59,450 They must accept EmperorCam 31 00:02:59,450 --> 00:03:02,690 if it is to film their lives up close for nearly a year. 32 00:03:10,170 --> 00:03:12,410 Emperors are a very special penguin - 33 00:03:12,410 --> 00:03:16,250 the only animal on Earth to breed through the Antarctic winter. 34 00:03:24,210 --> 00:03:26,890 As the long journey to their breeding grounds begins, 35 00:03:26,890 --> 00:03:30,410 the penguins accept EmperorCam as one of their own. 36 00:03:40,010 --> 00:03:42,650 Ahead, more penguins are on the march. 37 00:03:42,650 --> 00:03:48,250 They can't delay - their destination lies many miles across a frozen sea. 38 00:04:11,690 --> 00:04:14,570 The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, 39 00:04:14,570 --> 00:04:17,290 the breeding grounds of the rockhopper. 40 00:04:17,290 --> 00:04:21,890 Our second remarkable penguin - RockhopperCam - 41 00:04:21,890 --> 00:04:25,850 will record the rockhoppers' arrival, using a camera concealed in its eye. 42 00:04:28,290 --> 00:04:30,410 It's joined by an aquatic version 43 00:04:30,410 --> 00:04:33,210 that can film both above and below the water. 44 00:04:38,610 --> 00:04:41,330 Its camera-eye captures the penguins' homecoming. 45 00:04:48,690 --> 00:04:52,410 After five months at sea, these rockhoppers are returning 46 00:04:52,410 --> 00:04:55,690 to build new nests where they themselves were born. 47 00:05:14,610 --> 00:05:18,690 They appear at the same time each year, having travelled 400 miles 48 00:05:18,690 --> 00:05:21,770 from their fishing grounds off Argentina to be here. 49 00:05:26,410 --> 00:05:29,370 The real challenge begins when they reach the shallows - 50 00:05:29,370 --> 00:05:31,810 they must somehow make it ashore. 51 00:05:33,490 --> 00:05:34,850 It won't be easy. 52 00:05:34,850 --> 00:05:37,570 These are some of the roughest waters in the world. 53 00:05:49,250 --> 00:05:51,850 The first to appear are all males. 54 00:05:51,850 --> 00:05:56,370 7,000 will arrive in small landing parties over the next five days. 55 00:06:05,450 --> 00:06:08,130 Rockhoppers are spirited characters. 56 00:06:08,130 --> 00:06:13,050 Tough, irrepressible, with a reputation of never giving up. 57 00:06:13,050 --> 00:06:14,890 It's just as well. 58 00:06:14,890 --> 00:06:18,250 As soon as they're ashore, the waves reclaim them. 59 00:06:43,250 --> 00:06:47,170 The heavy swells toss them like flotsam, but they won't be deterred. 60 00:06:53,930 --> 00:06:55,770 Success at last! 61 00:06:57,490 --> 00:06:59,930 But victory is brief. 62 00:07:14,770 --> 00:07:17,530 Despite their ordeal, they must try again - 63 00:07:17,530 --> 00:07:20,330 a new generation of rockhoppers depends on it. 64 00:07:23,730 --> 00:07:26,970 When they do, RockhopperCam will be ready. 65 00:07:40,410 --> 00:07:45,570 The Atacama desert in Peru, the most arid in the world. 66 00:07:45,570 --> 00:07:49,530 The surprising home of our third and least known penguin... 67 00:07:51,650 --> 00:07:53,370 ..the Humboldt. 68 00:07:55,890 --> 00:07:58,410 Sophisticated robotics allow HumboldtCam 69 00:07:58,410 --> 00:08:01,930 to patrol the shoreline where the penguins are due to arrive. 70 00:08:06,810 --> 00:08:10,290 But they're late - the beach sadly deserted. 71 00:08:14,570 --> 00:08:17,530 Then, after days of waiting, they finally arrive. 72 00:08:22,570 --> 00:08:25,650 These Humboldts will face their own extraordinary challenges 73 00:08:25,650 --> 00:08:27,930 as they struggle to reach their nesting grounds 74 00:08:27,930 --> 00:08:29,770 and raise a new generation. 75 00:08:31,290 --> 00:08:34,530 They're so shy that they've rarely been filmed, 76 00:08:34,530 --> 00:08:38,650 but already HumboldtCam is capturing the closest shots ever recorded. 77 00:08:45,210 --> 00:08:48,250 It even moves among them without ruffling a feather. 78 00:08:52,410 --> 00:08:55,890 Humboldts are the only mainland penguin to live in the tropics. 79 00:08:55,890 --> 00:08:58,650 Their survival depends on the Humboldt current that brings 80 00:08:58,650 --> 00:09:01,210 both food and cold water to these shores. 81 00:09:03,970 --> 00:09:07,890 Like the other penguins, they accept the SpyCam as one of their own, 82 00:09:07,890 --> 00:09:09,970 even testing its reaction. 83 00:09:18,370 --> 00:09:20,210 But it's only a brief encounter. 84 00:09:23,410 --> 00:09:25,210 Fur seals! 85 00:09:28,010 --> 00:09:29,570 PENGUINS SQUAWK 86 00:09:35,810 --> 00:09:38,570 Chasing penguins is one of their favourite pastimes. 87 00:09:49,930 --> 00:09:51,770 To the seals, it's just a game. 88 00:09:51,770 --> 00:09:54,050 They normally prey on fish and squid. 89 00:09:57,810 --> 00:10:01,130 But the Humboldts aren't taking any chances. 90 00:10:01,130 --> 00:10:04,690 Higher up the beach is a colony of sea lions. 91 00:10:04,690 --> 00:10:07,210 Although they look just like fur seals, 92 00:10:07,210 --> 00:10:10,290 they're three times bigger and they will kill penguins. 93 00:10:10,290 --> 00:10:11,850 SEA LIONS GRUNT 94 00:10:13,450 --> 00:10:15,730 There's also rather a lot of them. 95 00:10:20,570 --> 00:10:22,370 20,000 in all, 96 00:10:22,370 --> 00:10:24,970 blocking the way to the penguins' nest site. 97 00:10:33,610 --> 00:10:36,530 Crossing the blockade won't be easy. 98 00:10:44,450 --> 00:10:47,730 HumboldtCam is already in the thick of it 99 00:10:47,730 --> 00:10:50,970 as the first penguin tries his luck. 100 00:10:52,770 --> 00:10:56,250 Near the shore, sea lions are thin on the ground. 101 00:10:56,250 --> 00:10:58,650 It seems surprisingly straightforward. 102 00:11:02,730 --> 00:11:04,930 But nothing is ever that simple. 103 00:11:09,530 --> 00:11:11,330 It's so easy to put a foot wrong. 104 00:11:15,690 --> 00:11:18,490 But there's no turning back now. 105 00:11:26,810 --> 00:11:29,530 Their best chance is to run for their lives. 106 00:11:36,810 --> 00:11:38,250 SEA LIONS SNARL 107 00:11:47,810 --> 00:11:50,730 Fortunately for them, sea lions are slow 108 00:11:50,730 --> 00:11:52,370 and clumsy on land. 109 00:11:52,370 --> 00:11:55,450 The penguins outmanoeuvre them every time. 110 00:12:00,170 --> 00:12:03,450 A close call...then a bite! 111 00:12:03,450 --> 00:12:05,810 But he escapes with his life. 112 00:12:10,850 --> 00:12:12,610 The advanced party makes it. 113 00:12:14,610 --> 00:12:16,090 But only just! 114 00:12:16,090 --> 00:12:18,010 They desperately clamber to safety. 115 00:12:21,570 --> 00:12:23,610 Their followers aren't so lucky. 116 00:12:35,250 --> 00:12:38,610 Just in time, they find a place to hide - a sea cave. 117 00:12:40,130 --> 00:12:43,930 It might offer shelter or hold hidden dangers. 118 00:12:43,930 --> 00:12:46,530 No-one's keen find out. 119 00:12:51,130 --> 00:12:52,730 Back in Antarctica, 120 00:12:52,730 --> 00:12:57,570 the emperor penguins' trek to their breeding grounds is well under way. 121 00:13:02,050 --> 00:13:06,850 It's a long slog and the frozen sea ice presents all kinds of challenges. 122 00:13:19,250 --> 00:13:22,530 But the occasional slip-up is the least of their worries. 123 00:13:25,250 --> 00:13:27,570 A small crack has appeared. 124 00:13:32,370 --> 00:13:35,610 It's enough to stop the whole march in its tracks. 125 00:13:47,810 --> 00:13:51,810 Cracks form as the sea beneath the ice rises and falls. 126 00:13:54,890 --> 00:13:58,010 He's nervous, but the march must go on. 127 00:14:04,810 --> 00:14:08,170 The rest try their luck with varying degrees of success. 128 00:14:17,730 --> 00:14:20,170 They have reason to be frightened - 129 00:14:20,170 --> 00:14:22,570 leopard seals patrol these tide-cracks, 130 00:14:22,570 --> 00:14:24,570 looking for struggling penguins. 131 00:14:29,650 --> 00:14:32,090 As more pile in, they pulverise the ice, 132 00:14:32,090 --> 00:14:34,170 making it even harder to escape. 133 00:14:38,410 --> 00:14:40,330 But they possess a useful tool - 134 00:14:40,330 --> 00:14:42,890 an ice pick that gets them out of trouble. 135 00:14:58,650 --> 00:15:01,930 On the Falklands, RockhopperCam returns to duty 136 00:15:01,930 --> 00:15:05,250 as the penguins begin their second assault on the shore. 137 00:15:15,730 --> 00:15:18,050 The weather still isn't helping. 138 00:15:18,050 --> 00:15:20,130 But they remember an old tactic - 139 00:15:20,130 --> 00:15:22,050 face danger head on! 140 00:15:26,490 --> 00:15:30,450 This streamlines the impact and keeps their feet firmly on the ground. 141 00:15:33,970 --> 00:15:38,810 They've passed the first hurdle, but their challenges are far from over. 142 00:15:42,210 --> 00:15:46,010 Rockhoppers build their nests as far from the waves as possible, 143 00:15:46,010 --> 00:15:49,370 at the top of a cliff that's a hundred metres high! 144 00:15:52,770 --> 00:15:56,210 It's a tough climb - but they aren't called rockhoppers for nothing. 145 00:16:10,290 --> 00:16:15,090 They haven't hopped for five months and they're out of practice. 146 00:16:42,050 --> 00:16:45,330 Made it! But that was just the first few metres. 147 00:16:45,330 --> 00:16:47,810 There's nearly a hundred to go! 148 00:16:52,810 --> 00:16:56,610 RockCam prepares to record the next of their many trials. 149 00:17:06,250 --> 00:17:08,210 It's designed to film on the move. 150 00:17:12,170 --> 00:17:16,850 A cliff path seems deceptively easy, but RockCam soon has to give up. 151 00:17:24,010 --> 00:17:27,730 There are sheer drops below and the waves are steadily building. 152 00:18:13,650 --> 00:18:15,330 Just one left... 153 00:18:22,450 --> 00:18:24,130 ..and then there were none. 154 00:18:31,090 --> 00:18:34,090 They will just have to try yet again. 155 00:18:38,410 --> 00:18:42,850 Back at the cave, the Humboldts are still too nervous to enter. 156 00:18:47,050 --> 00:18:50,770 But it just takes one brave soul and the rest soon follow. 157 00:18:54,530 --> 00:18:56,970 It was wise to be cautious. 158 00:18:56,970 --> 00:18:59,530 The cave holds a nasty surprise. 159 00:19:01,890 --> 00:19:04,290 Vampire bats. 160 00:19:05,290 --> 00:19:09,570 They feed on any warm-blooded creature and birds are no exception. 161 00:19:19,290 --> 00:19:23,890 There's no reprieve, the sea lions have cut off their escape. 162 00:19:23,890 --> 00:19:26,290 SEA LIONS SNARL 163 00:19:29,290 --> 00:19:31,970 Their only choice is to face their fears. 164 00:19:38,370 --> 00:19:40,970 BATS SQUEAK 165 00:19:46,290 --> 00:19:50,250 While their eyes adjust to the dark, they can't see the danger. 166 00:19:52,170 --> 00:19:56,210 Vampires can last just two days without feeding on blood - 167 00:19:56,210 --> 00:19:58,170 they never turn down a meal. 168 00:20:03,130 --> 00:20:06,530 They home in by sensing body heat. 169 00:20:14,970 --> 00:20:16,570 As fortune has it, 170 00:20:16,570 --> 00:20:19,410 the cave offers an escape route. 171 00:20:19,410 --> 00:20:23,330 It's a tunnel that bypasses the sea lions and reaches the other side. 172 00:20:36,170 --> 00:20:37,730 As they scramble up the cliff, 173 00:20:37,730 --> 00:20:40,530 another PenguinCam records their achievement. 174 00:20:52,770 --> 00:20:57,810 But the penguins face a new challenge - the baking hot desert. 175 00:20:57,810 --> 00:20:58,970 Year after year, 176 00:20:58,970 --> 00:21:03,850 they return to this parched and inhospitable place to lay their eggs. 177 00:21:03,850 --> 00:21:05,170 They have no choice - 178 00:21:05,170 --> 00:21:07,930 the desert borders the coast for hundreds of miles. 179 00:21:16,170 --> 00:21:19,570 They must reach their nest sites before it gets too hot - 180 00:21:19,570 --> 00:21:21,490 an unusual concern for a penguin! 181 00:21:26,010 --> 00:21:29,250 In Antarctica, emperors face an opposite problem. 182 00:21:30,890 --> 00:21:33,730 A glacier entering the frozen sea 183 00:21:33,730 --> 00:21:37,610 creates an ice maze riddled with crevasses - 184 00:21:37,610 --> 00:21:40,010 one mistake could prove fatal. 185 00:21:52,010 --> 00:21:56,170 Even here, the penguins' incredible sense of direction guides them 186 00:21:56,170 --> 00:21:58,090 towards their breeding grounds. 187 00:22:00,170 --> 00:22:01,730 By keeping together 188 00:22:01,730 --> 00:22:04,890 and sharing knowledge, they are less likely to get lost. 189 00:22:09,090 --> 00:22:11,730 It's a matter of follow-the-leader, 190 00:22:11,730 --> 00:22:14,290 but all it takes is one false move... 191 00:22:16,050 --> 00:22:19,210 ..and it can all go horribly wrong. 192 00:22:22,290 --> 00:22:24,130 PENGUIN SQUAWKS 193 00:22:35,090 --> 00:22:38,450 Alone, the ice maze seems strangely disorientating. 194 00:22:50,970 --> 00:22:54,370 He calls, but his voice is lost on the wind. 195 00:23:04,130 --> 00:23:07,050 His companions continue without him. 196 00:23:16,850 --> 00:23:19,290 He escapes the maze, 197 00:23:19,290 --> 00:23:20,850 but it's too late. 198 00:23:32,530 --> 00:23:34,930 He must attempt the journey alone. 199 00:23:48,170 --> 00:23:52,010 Hardened by battle, the rockhoppers stage one more assault. 200 00:23:56,130 --> 00:24:00,050 In the race to the top, one penguin cadges a ride. 201 00:24:08,090 --> 00:24:11,250 With the tide receding, the cliff path seems safer. 202 00:24:11,250 --> 00:24:13,450 But appearances can be deceptive. 203 00:24:19,570 --> 00:24:23,410 He's caught in a trap and the sea isn't finished yet. 204 00:24:39,370 --> 00:24:41,130 He makes it! 205 00:24:41,130 --> 00:24:43,210 This time the sea is more forgiving. 206 00:24:44,330 --> 00:24:46,890 Rockhoppers are notoriously tenacious. 207 00:24:48,330 --> 00:24:49,610 It's just as well - 208 00:24:49,610 --> 00:24:51,890 an even steeper cliff lies ahead. 209 00:24:54,570 --> 00:24:58,370 There are no easy routes, but he's chosen one of the most difficult. 210 00:25:01,650 --> 00:25:04,250 Mountaineering techniques are required. 211 00:25:05,290 --> 00:25:08,130 He uses his flippers as arms, 212 00:25:08,130 --> 00:25:10,850 his claws as crampons 213 00:25:10,850 --> 00:25:13,170 and his bill as a climbing axe. 214 00:25:25,250 --> 00:25:27,050 He triumphs, 215 00:25:27,050 --> 00:25:31,010 but a loss of concentration then throws it all away. 216 00:25:36,050 --> 00:25:39,330 Fortunately, body fat makes a great shock-absorber. 217 00:25:42,090 --> 00:25:44,930 This time he selects a less challenging route. 218 00:25:49,930 --> 00:25:51,810 At the summit, 219 00:25:51,810 --> 00:25:56,450 the penguins show that their hopping skills have returned. 220 00:25:56,450 --> 00:26:01,210 It's a sack-race to reclaim old nest-sites. 221 00:26:23,130 --> 00:26:25,490 But other males have beaten them here. 222 00:26:28,770 --> 00:26:32,610 And it's difficult to remember exactly where you nested last year. 223 00:26:40,890 --> 00:26:44,650 Those that have already staked a claim won't budge. 224 00:26:44,650 --> 00:26:47,370 And they don't take kindly to newcomers. 225 00:26:55,210 --> 00:26:58,650 Among the crowds, a familiar face - 226 00:26:58,650 --> 00:27:01,690 RockhopperCam. 227 00:27:01,690 --> 00:27:04,370 Like other PenguinCams, it can manoeuvre 228 00:27:04,370 --> 00:27:08,170 to find the best viewpoint without disturbing the colony. 229 00:27:09,330 --> 00:27:11,930 It doesn't get better than this. 230 00:27:11,930 --> 00:27:14,170 When the females arrive, 231 00:27:14,170 --> 00:27:19,130 7,000 pairs will be jostling here as they bring up their chicks. 232 00:27:31,730 --> 00:27:35,490 Even so, RockhopperCam needs back-up... 233 00:27:37,930 --> 00:27:39,170 ..EggCam! 234 00:27:53,490 --> 00:27:58,370 Ten of these EggCams are deployed throughout the colony. 235 00:27:58,370 --> 00:28:03,090 They record continuously and film closer than any other spy camera. 236 00:28:12,530 --> 00:28:15,650 The male's job is to build the nest. 237 00:28:15,650 --> 00:28:19,170 It may be just a few twigs, but every piece is treasured. 238 00:28:28,690 --> 00:28:31,690 Stealing from a neighbour is a crime that pays. 239 00:28:43,050 --> 00:28:46,090 With nest sites claimed and tidied, 240 00:28:46,090 --> 00:28:48,770 a moment to celebrate. 241 00:28:53,250 --> 00:28:57,970 Now, they have to wait a week or more for the females to arrive. 242 00:29:03,410 --> 00:29:06,610 The lone emperor continues his journey, 243 00:29:06,610 --> 00:29:10,330 determined to reach the breeding grounds. 244 00:29:10,330 --> 00:29:13,170 His companions are several miles ahead 245 00:29:13,170 --> 00:29:15,250 and the weather has started to turn. 246 00:29:31,850 --> 00:29:34,290 He's built to endure Antarctic storms, 247 00:29:34,290 --> 00:29:37,490 but it's a bad time for any penguin to be alone. 248 00:29:44,050 --> 00:29:47,970 Ahead, the others are feeling the full force of the blizzard. 249 00:29:47,970 --> 00:29:49,610 PenguinCam joins them, 250 00:29:49,610 --> 00:29:52,730 as driving snow makes the route almost impassable. 251 00:30:08,210 --> 00:30:10,730 They're now wasting precious energy. 252 00:30:15,410 --> 00:30:17,050 As winds reach 90 miles an hour, 253 00:30:17,050 --> 00:30:19,330 they start to huddle together for warmth. 254 00:30:19,330 --> 00:30:21,450 It's their best chance of survival. 255 00:30:27,090 --> 00:30:29,730 The lone penguin struggles on. 256 00:30:43,530 --> 00:30:46,090 He's weakening from exertion and the cold. 257 00:30:58,410 --> 00:31:00,450 Then, through the whiteout, 258 00:31:00,450 --> 00:31:02,170 distant shapes appear. 259 00:31:15,450 --> 00:31:18,250 Forming the huddle allowed him to catch up. 260 00:31:20,650 --> 00:31:22,650 It may have saved his life. 261 00:31:42,050 --> 00:31:44,810 The Humboldts are almost at their nesting grounds, 262 00:31:44,810 --> 00:31:49,410 but they have one last hurdle to face - 263 00:31:49,410 --> 00:31:51,690 a colony of Peruvian booby birds lies 264 00:31:51,690 --> 00:31:54,410 between the penguins and their nest-site. 265 00:31:56,130 --> 00:31:59,330 Out at sea, the two species are close competitors. 266 00:31:59,330 --> 00:32:01,890 But here, the boobies have the best weaponry. 267 00:32:03,170 --> 00:32:05,690 PENGUIN CALLS 268 00:32:07,250 --> 00:32:09,690 The penguins face an army of spears. 269 00:32:16,290 --> 00:32:18,130 A jab to the eye would spell disaster 270 00:32:18,130 --> 00:32:20,610 and there are thousands of birds to get through. 271 00:32:31,410 --> 00:32:34,490 The Humboldts' only defence is their quick reactions. 272 00:33:03,370 --> 00:33:06,770 With escape in sight, one penguin dares to retaliate. 273 00:33:13,810 --> 00:33:16,210 But he doesn't hang around for long. 274 00:33:24,450 --> 00:33:26,690 Their trials finally over, 275 00:33:26,690 --> 00:33:29,770 the nest site is within reach. 276 00:33:32,170 --> 00:33:35,210 It's a Humboldt nursery, dug into the desert. 277 00:33:35,210 --> 00:33:39,410 Here, they're safe from sea lions, nesting birds and storms - 278 00:33:39,410 --> 00:33:41,450 well worth the journey to get here. 279 00:33:47,730 --> 00:33:50,970 Humboldts are faithful birds and usually pair for life. 280 00:33:57,370 --> 00:34:02,530 The males dig burrows to protect their young from the desert sun. 281 00:34:09,650 --> 00:34:11,650 It's dirty work. 282 00:34:11,650 --> 00:34:15,090 The colony has been here so long, it's built on guano - 283 00:34:15,090 --> 00:34:17,970 centuries of accumulated penguin poo. 284 00:34:22,530 --> 00:34:25,250 Job done, his mate moves in. 285 00:34:30,330 --> 00:34:33,090 In a few days, she'll lay the first egg. 286 00:34:37,450 --> 00:34:41,650 The blizzard over, the emperors wake to a very different day. 287 00:34:46,970 --> 00:34:49,210 PENGUINS SQUAWK 288 00:34:53,090 --> 00:34:55,010 They can't delay. 289 00:34:55,010 --> 00:34:57,210 They still have miles to go. 290 00:35:00,610 --> 00:35:03,210 EmperorCam takes an early lead. 291 00:35:09,570 --> 00:35:13,170 Fresh snow creates perfect sledging conditions. 292 00:35:41,370 --> 00:35:45,410 Finally, the end of the emperors' journey is in sight. 293 00:35:51,170 --> 00:35:56,130 A frozen bay, located where the sea-ice meets the Antarctic mainland. 294 00:35:59,970 --> 00:36:04,570 Emperors have visited this hallowed spot for thousands of years. 295 00:36:09,530 --> 00:36:12,250 Here, the ice stays firm throughout the breeding season, 296 00:36:12,250 --> 00:36:14,890 giving sanctuary to 3,000 pairs. 297 00:36:19,570 --> 00:36:23,130 SpyCams are already here. 298 00:36:23,130 --> 00:36:25,290 And there are new varieties, too. 299 00:36:37,770 --> 00:36:41,090 The penguin's waddle walk is part of a display 300 00:36:41,090 --> 00:36:46,730 that shows that this new EmperorCam is regarded as just another penguin. 301 00:36:58,570 --> 00:37:02,290 EmperorCam is a fully-fledged member of the colony. 302 00:37:02,290 --> 00:37:04,730 She's also the first to lay an egg! 303 00:37:12,010 --> 00:37:14,890 A clutch of EggCams are soon in the thick of it. 304 00:37:29,930 --> 00:37:34,010 Back in the Falklands, 7,000 rockhopper males have waited 305 00:37:34,010 --> 00:37:37,530 nearly two weeks for their partners to arrive. 306 00:37:37,530 --> 00:37:40,490 Their only pastime has been a spot of housekeeping. 307 00:37:42,290 --> 00:37:46,090 Then, the sight they've been waiting for - 308 00:37:46,090 --> 00:37:47,210 the girls are back. 309 00:38:27,010 --> 00:38:31,250 Their surfing technique helps them locate their favourite landing spot. 310 00:38:38,570 --> 00:38:41,730 The tide is out, allowing a more elegant arrival. 311 00:39:00,410 --> 00:39:05,330 After five months away, they're keen to see their partners again. 312 00:39:05,330 --> 00:39:07,850 FEMALES SQUAWK 313 00:39:11,810 --> 00:39:13,890 Hopping is faster than waddling, 314 00:39:13,890 --> 00:39:16,330 so they bounce their way to the colony. 315 00:39:56,810 --> 00:40:00,050 Single males try to catch their eye. 316 00:40:00,050 --> 00:40:04,370 But rockhoppers mate for life and most females are already spoken for. 317 00:40:09,010 --> 00:40:10,690 She stops to listen. 318 00:40:14,010 --> 00:40:17,130 Her partner has a distinctive call that helps her 319 00:40:17,130 --> 00:40:18,730 pinpoint his whereabouts. 320 00:40:20,850 --> 00:40:24,050 She hasn't seen him for nearly half a year. 321 00:40:26,850 --> 00:40:30,330 Fittingly, their greeting is called an "ecstatic display". 322 00:40:39,330 --> 00:40:42,730 Preening helps rekindle their relationship. 323 00:40:47,610 --> 00:40:50,050 But not all are so lucky in love. 324 00:40:51,370 --> 00:40:54,450 This male is still waiting for his mate to return. 325 00:41:00,690 --> 00:41:03,210 Emperor penguins are spared these concerns, 326 00:41:03,210 --> 00:41:05,170 as most choose a new mate each year. 327 00:41:10,890 --> 00:41:14,210 Penguins looking for a partner set themselves apart 328 00:41:14,210 --> 00:41:15,770 and start to display. 329 00:41:23,290 --> 00:41:25,570 This male doesn't have to wait for long. 330 00:41:45,210 --> 00:41:46,970 He's unlucky this time. 331 00:41:52,250 --> 00:41:54,010 But he's spoilt for choice. 332 00:41:55,010 --> 00:41:57,610 There are 3,000 possible partners. 333 00:42:13,330 --> 00:42:15,690 Her waddle walk shows she's keen. 334 00:42:34,050 --> 00:42:38,410 They mirror each other's actions to confirm that they're now a couple. 335 00:42:41,730 --> 00:42:44,890 But their blossoming romance soon sparks jealousies. 336 00:42:44,890 --> 00:42:47,370 A second female tries to muscle in. 337 00:42:56,210 --> 00:42:58,210 She pecks at her rival, 338 00:42:58,210 --> 00:43:01,130 but the male's having none of it. 339 00:43:01,130 --> 00:43:03,490 The girls fight it out. 340 00:43:03,490 --> 00:43:05,890 It's flippers at dawn. 341 00:43:17,650 --> 00:43:20,330 She shoves her challenger to the ground, 342 00:43:20,330 --> 00:43:21,690 but it's not over yet. 343 00:43:26,130 --> 00:43:27,930 Her mate cheers her on. 344 00:43:34,450 --> 00:43:36,050 SQUAWKS 345 00:43:36,050 --> 00:43:37,690 This time she's clinched it. 346 00:43:37,690 --> 00:43:40,410 She's slapped her way to victory. 347 00:43:51,130 --> 00:43:55,290 Their synchronised waddle advertises they're an item. 348 00:43:55,290 --> 00:43:57,570 It's time to get down to business. 349 00:43:59,610 --> 00:44:03,450 It's their first breeding season and their inexperience is clear. 350 00:44:34,290 --> 00:44:37,170 And just as they get the hang of things, 351 00:44:37,170 --> 00:44:39,850 the female's love rival is back. 352 00:44:48,210 --> 00:44:51,250 She has many ways of spoiling the moment. 353 00:45:05,610 --> 00:45:08,490 Time to find a quieter spot. 354 00:45:35,010 --> 00:45:37,810 Back with the rockhoppers, 355 00:45:37,810 --> 00:45:40,810 the lonesome male is still waiting for his mate. 356 00:45:42,050 --> 00:45:44,570 But his eye soon begins to wander. 357 00:45:50,570 --> 00:45:54,250 RockhopperCam has found an admirer. 358 00:45:55,250 --> 00:45:58,650 The penguin displays to show he's keen. 359 00:46:04,490 --> 00:46:08,050 She might be a robot, but it's still love at first sight. 360 00:46:11,490 --> 00:46:14,650 Preening is a sign that the male's getting serious. 361 00:46:17,570 --> 00:46:19,810 It seems the perfect match. 362 00:46:28,730 --> 00:46:31,730 But some romances aren't meant to be. 363 00:46:31,730 --> 00:46:34,730 The rockhopper's real mate is coming home... 364 00:46:38,770 --> 00:46:40,690 ..and she's in quite a hurry. 365 00:47:08,930 --> 00:47:11,410 She's a jealous bird. 366 00:47:11,410 --> 00:47:13,970 PenguinCam suffers the consequences. 367 00:47:17,090 --> 00:47:19,050 The couple reunite. 368 00:47:23,130 --> 00:47:26,490 They now only have eyes for each other. 369 00:47:33,890 --> 00:47:36,170 RockhopperCam may have been jilted, 370 00:47:36,170 --> 00:47:38,890 but she picks herself right back up again... 371 00:47:46,450 --> 00:47:50,250 ..while the pair have some catching up to do. 372 00:47:59,890 --> 00:48:01,890 At the emperor colony, 373 00:48:01,890 --> 00:48:05,370 after mating, the new couples keep themselves to themselves. 374 00:48:10,530 --> 00:48:15,450 Two weeks later, it's time for their single egg to be laid. 375 00:48:15,450 --> 00:48:17,530 Both share in this precious moment. 376 00:48:20,450 --> 00:48:22,810 On ice, laying is a challenge. 377 00:48:27,650 --> 00:48:29,850 A dropped egg will quickly freeze, 378 00:48:29,850 --> 00:48:32,650 and their long march would have been for nothing. 379 00:48:51,610 --> 00:48:54,410 She flicks her tail forward to catch the egg, 380 00:48:54,410 --> 00:48:56,330 while her feet cushion the fall. 381 00:49:01,410 --> 00:49:02,650 Success! 382 00:49:23,050 --> 00:49:25,410 She shows off her treasure - 383 00:49:25,410 --> 00:49:29,210 her partner must understand that he shares the responsibility. 384 00:49:35,810 --> 00:49:38,370 It will soon be his turn to care for it. 385 00:49:42,890 --> 00:49:44,370 For the female, 386 00:49:44,370 --> 00:49:46,530 producing the egg has taken its toll 387 00:49:46,530 --> 00:49:49,810 and she must soon leave for the sea to feed and recuperate. 388 00:49:58,050 --> 00:50:00,010 The future of their developing chick 389 00:50:00,010 --> 00:50:03,010 now depends on the strength and endurance of its father. 390 00:50:08,690 --> 00:50:10,090 Back in the Falklands, 391 00:50:10,090 --> 00:50:13,530 rockhopper eggs are being laid throughout the colony. 392 00:50:15,810 --> 00:50:19,570 Rockhoppers have two eggs, the first is smaller than the second. 393 00:50:22,650 --> 00:50:27,370 The lesser egg is for insurance - it's often taken by predators. 394 00:50:29,290 --> 00:50:32,010 Skuas seize more than any other. 395 00:50:40,170 --> 00:50:42,570 Their strategy is simple - 396 00:50:42,570 --> 00:50:44,170 attack from out of the blue. 397 00:51:02,250 --> 00:51:04,530 The colony soon switches to high alert... 398 00:51:06,890 --> 00:51:09,650 ..and prepares its defences. 399 00:51:26,410 --> 00:51:30,930 They create a fortress of sharp beaks, impossible to penetrate. 400 00:51:45,490 --> 00:51:49,810 The skua has lost the advantage of surprise and retreats. 401 00:51:51,370 --> 00:51:55,010 By joining forces, the colony prevails. 402 00:51:57,770 --> 00:52:01,250 And this penguin still has both her eggs. 403 00:52:08,810 --> 00:52:11,450 In Peru, the Humboldts also lay two eggs, 404 00:52:11,450 --> 00:52:13,970 but they conceal them inside a burrow. 405 00:52:19,010 --> 00:52:21,010 There are egg thieves here, too. 406 00:52:23,130 --> 00:52:27,850 Turkey vultures time their arrival for the nesting period. 407 00:52:36,330 --> 00:52:38,890 But they are nervous of entering the burrow. 408 00:52:45,930 --> 00:52:48,850 A Humboldt will fight fiercely to protect her eggs 409 00:52:48,850 --> 00:52:50,930 and she easily repels the vulture. 410 00:52:57,210 --> 00:53:01,650 Protected underground, both eggs usually survive. 411 00:53:04,970 --> 00:53:09,770 At the rockhopper colony, it's time for a change of shifts. 412 00:53:10,890 --> 00:53:12,170 After two weeks, 413 00:53:12,170 --> 00:53:14,730 the female rockhoppers usually leave for the sea. 414 00:53:14,730 --> 00:53:18,690 Like the emperor females, they hand over parenting duties to the males. 415 00:53:23,290 --> 00:53:26,530 Some mums aren't convinced that this is such a good idea. 416 00:53:29,250 --> 00:53:31,330 She needs some gentle persuasion. 417 00:53:36,370 --> 00:53:38,770 He tries a firmer approach... 418 00:53:43,050 --> 00:53:44,890 ..and she still refuses to budge. 419 00:54:05,050 --> 00:54:09,890 But when push comes to shove, the call of the sea prevails. 420 00:54:12,290 --> 00:54:15,130 The females haven't eaten for two weeks. 421 00:54:15,130 --> 00:54:17,770 It's now a mad dash for the ocean and food. 422 00:55:05,010 --> 00:55:06,850 A lot rests on their success - 423 00:55:06,850 --> 00:55:10,090 when they return, there will be new mouths to feed. 424 00:55:16,290 --> 00:55:21,170 For emperors, swapping parental duties is a much riskier task. 425 00:55:26,930 --> 00:55:30,250 The male offers encouragement by showing off his brood pouch 426 00:55:30,250 --> 00:55:31,850 which will protect the egg. 427 00:55:38,170 --> 00:55:40,650 But she, too, is reluctant to trust her mate 428 00:55:40,650 --> 00:55:42,730 with such immense responsibility. 429 00:55:48,050 --> 00:55:51,730 He tenderly strokes the egg - a sign he will take good care. 430 00:55:55,570 --> 00:55:58,610 But transferring the egg is a delicate operation - 431 00:55:58,610 --> 00:56:01,210 too long on the ice and the embryo will freeze. 432 00:56:14,770 --> 00:56:19,370 Success - the egg is now cosily in his brood pouch. 433 00:56:33,490 --> 00:56:36,690 It's time for his mate to leave her treasure behind. 434 00:56:46,170 --> 00:56:50,170 She and the other females must retrace their steps back to the sea. 435 00:56:52,210 --> 00:56:53,610 It will be a long journey. 436 00:56:53,610 --> 00:56:54,970 Winter is closing in 437 00:56:54,970 --> 00:56:58,690 and the falling temperatures have frozen even more of the ocean. 438 00:57:04,050 --> 00:57:08,490 The male must cherish this egg throughout the long dark days ahead. 439 00:57:14,090 --> 00:57:17,170 The female's duty is to return with food in the spring. 440 00:57:19,490 --> 00:57:23,650 For the male, the toughest challenge is yet to come. 441 00:57:23,650 --> 00:57:27,530 As the weather closes in, he must protect their prized investment 442 00:57:27,530 --> 00:57:29,850 through the harshest winter on Earth. 443 00:57:45,770 --> 00:57:48,170 Back on the Falklands, 444 00:57:48,170 --> 00:57:50,810 there is already movement. 445 00:57:50,810 --> 00:57:53,490 An egg has started to hatch. 446 00:58:04,210 --> 00:58:07,370 It's a magical moment... 447 00:58:09,650 --> 00:58:12,250 ..but this bundle of fluff will bring 448 00:58:12,250 --> 00:58:14,850 a whole new set of challenges for its parents. 449 00:58:18,490 --> 00:58:23,450 Next time, our spy cameras will discover how all these growing chicks 450 00:58:23,450 --> 00:58:27,450 survive in some of the toughest environments on Earth.