IN PHOTOS: DRESSED TO IMPRESS - HAPPY PENGUIN AWARENESS DAY!

Sub-zero temperatures, snow blizzards and a land of seemingly endless ice. It takes a lot to be able to survive on the Antarctic continent, but penguins know how and they sure do it in style. So today, we celebrate these super cool animals with some super cool snaps.  WWF’s Antarctic Program Lead, Chris Johnson, went on an expedition down south, braving all of the above, to take these amazing photos that show the importance of protecting this beautiful and natural landscape. Come behind-the-scenes with him as we explore the frosty homes of Antarctic penguins.

Rockin’ It - GENTOO PENGUIN

Gentoo penguins are one of the few Antarctic species thriving under the rapid warming conditions in the region. Climate change means sea-ice is decreasing rapidly. As a result, populations of the ice-adapted Adélie are generally declining, whereas populations of the ice-averse gentoo penguin are increasing.

Fly in - fly out - A SKUA AND A GENTOO PENGUIN

A skua surprises a gentoo penguin on the ice. The penguin is right to be wary as skuas feed on gentoo penguin eggs.

Just passing through - GENTOO PENGUIN AMONG SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL

A gentoo penguin waddles (cautiously) among a colony of southern elephant seals.  

Nearly camouflaged - CHINSTRAP PENGUIN

Go with the flow - SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL

A southern giant petrel soars high in the sky. Big wingspan and a huge bill, they remind me of albatross or mollyhawks. 

Hangers on - HUMPBACK WHALE

Feeding humpback whales filled Fournier Bay, Antarctica Peninsula.

Cool nap - WEDDELL SEAL

Weddell seals are incredibly placid, sedentary animals. I was able to approach this individual to take this photo without any apparent stress at all.

PANDAS IN ANTARCTICA

Me with WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman high above the glacier in Neko Harbour, Antarctica Peninsula. For me, there is no place like it on Earth. WWF is calling for 30% of the seas surrounding Antarctica to be protected by 2030. The Antarctic Peninsula and its amazing wildlife is under increasing pressure from climate change, krill fishing and a growing tourism industry.