Prepare to be amazed by the incredible footage captured by award-winning nature photographer Bertie Gregory. In a never-before-filmed moment for television, Gregory used his drone to capture a breathtaking scene in Antarctica: a giant crèche of emperor penguin chicks waddling to the edge of a massive 50-foot cliff and diving fearlessly into the Southern Ocean below.
This unusual natural phenomenon left Gregory in awe, as he witnessed multiple groups of chicks walking towards the cliff but was unable to follow them due to the treacherous icy terrain. It was only when he launched his drone that he was able to keep them in view, using the powerful zoom lens to maintain a safe distance downwind.
Initially, only a few brave chicks took the leap off the cliff. However, being raised together, the rest soon followed suit after some time. Patiently waiting and changing batteries, Gregory finally captured the remarkable scene as he watched a single chick walk up to the edge and launch itself into the freezing Southern Ocean. Once the first chick landed unscathed, many others followed suit.
This extraordinary footage was shot for the Nat Geo Wild series Secrets Of The Penguins and will be featured for the first time in the episode. Viewers can look forward to experiencing this awe-inspiring moment on Earth Day 2025, as the series debuts on National Geographic and Disney+.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the bravery and determination of these emperor penguin chicks as they take a leap of faith into the unknown, showcasing the wonders of nature in all its glory.