Penguins are simply adorable, aren’t they?
Before disembarking at a floating dock on Isla Magdalena (Chile), I had only watched them behind a glass in the Zoo, where a couple of dozens occupied the fake islands and saw their days pass by staring to each other and, from time to time, having a short dive into the water.
The Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena had nothing to do with the picture I had from the Zoo. thousands of penguins were waddling down the hills towards the sea to go and catch lunch for their family, while their partners took care of their furry chicks. Some of them wandered in groups of friends, while others stood by them selves calling out for their life partners.
Yes, that’s right. Penguins mate for life.
Not only are they loyal, but build a relationship based on teamwork – they build their nest together and then make shifts on catching fish and raising their chicks. Year after year, male penguins search for their female partners, who recognize them through the male’s calls. I spotted a few of them hoping to reconnect with their beloved ones!
Isla Magdalena is not as easy to access as the smaller colony in Seno Otway, about an hour drive from Punta Arenas.
Despite receiving far less visitors than Otway, the birds were curious about us – some of them even seemed to enjoyed standing in front of a camera!
Although our visit was short – about an hour on land -, the visit is most definitely worth it! I managed to use up my camera’s battery, but returned with at least 60 unique postcards.
I could have stayed the whole day watching them.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m loving this post- I’m a huge penguin fan! (who isn’t). thanks for sharing!
What an incredible experience to have! Loved this.
Awww, so cute! I’m definitely a sucker for all-things animal, and these penguins are no exception! Not sure I will ever vist Chile but it looks really beautiful.
Too cute! I’ve loved penguins since I was a toddler and seeing them in Antarctica is at the top of my bucket list. Good to know I can get up close and personal with them in Chile too!
Those post totally took my breath away, GORGEOUS photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love penguins! This year in my little British town, the Christmas festivities included some penguin visitors from Chile that looked just like these. I don’t think it was the nicest thing to do to these little guys, but I certainly did not miss the chance to visit them, and they waddled right up to me!
Awww, these little guys are so cute!!
Love these shots – you’ve really captured them – adorable!!
So wonderful!!
How amazing would this have been to do. Just to see them in their natural habitat like that would be great and to see them in such a large number.
I know the exactly the place! We didn’t make it there though, we had to bus/boat to Ushuaia and the bus was only once a week so we would have missed it :-( They are such great animals, they look clumsy but so cute!
They are cute! These penguins are working the camera! :D
These are the cutest pictures! I’ve only ever seen penguins in zoos and this looks like a completetly different experience. Not even comparable. They’re beautiful!
Your post made my day!
I just thought I’d tell you :)
Working at an animal hospital animals hold such a special place in my heart. They look so innocent and sweet. At the same time though they look so mature and wise. I even see a couple smiles on them. We should look to a penguin to see what life should really be like. Maybe the world would be a happier place? This is a place I would love to include on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
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