Antarctica Wildlife

ADELIE PENGUINS

These Penguins can be found in large colonies on the ice-free slopes of the Antarctic continent. During breeding season, they can often be seen sliding across the ice on their stomachs, making their way into the sea to get food for their chicks.

ANTARCTIC SOUND

ANTARCTIC FUR SEALS

Antarctic Fur Seals were almost driven to extinction during the 18th century, when man hunted them for their skin and blubber. Today, they breed in dense colonies on beaches and rocks north of the pack-ice, where males fight for the right to rule a harem of females.

ELEPHANT ISLAND

GENTOO PENGUINS

Gentoo Penguins are the third-largest penguin species and can reach up to 81cm in height. They are easily recognizable with white patches above their eyes and a long tail which moves like a brush, hence their species name – Pygoscelis (brush-tailed).

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

HUMPBACK WHALES

Humpback Whales are massive, and can grow up to the size of a school bus. They generally travel alone or in small groups, and are known for their incredible melodies and powerful, high breaches.

GRAVE COVE

KILLER WHALES

Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, are the largest dolphins in the world. They have clever predatory techniques such as coordinated attacks on whales and wave washing seals off the ice.

NEW ISLAND

LEOPARD SEALS

Leopard Seals, recognizable by leopard-like spots on their throats and stomachs, are solitary animals and can often be found waiting by penguin landing and launch spots. They often catch penguins, bring them to the surface and vigorously shake them to their death.

ANTARCTICA

WEDDELL SEALS

Weddell Seals were discovered by British sealing captain James Weddell. It is one of the largest of its species and the most southerly ranging mammal in the world, living as far south as 78°S. They do not migrate and survive the harsh winter by maintaining breathing holes in the ice.

ANTARCTICA

CHINSTRAP PENGUINS

With an estimate of 8 million individuals , Chinstrap Penguins are believed to be the most abundant penguin in the Antarctic. Easily recognizable by its narrow black band under its head making it look as if it were wearing a black helmet.

ANTARCTICA

CRABEATER SEAL

By far the most abundant seal species in the world, the Crabeater Seal , also known as the krill-eater seal is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around Antartica. Its sieve-like tooth structure allows it to successfully filter out the small crustaceans they feed on.

ANTARCTICA