Baby Emperor Penguins Make Historic 50-Foot Leap Into Antarctic Waters

In a groundbreaking discovery, National Geographic captures the first-ever footage of baby emperor penguins jumping from a high cliff as part of their first swim.

National Geographic filmmaker Bertie Gregory documented hundreds of baby emperor penguins leaping from a 50-foot ice cliff into the Antarctic ocean.
The footage reveals a previously unknown behavior of penguin chicks, challenging previous assumptions that they only dive from low heights.
The dramatic event was captured during a two-month filming expedition on the Ekström Ice Shelf in Antarctica.
This remarkable footage will be featured in the upcoming documentary 'Secrets of the Penguins,' set to premiere on Earth Day 2025.
The discovery highlights the adaptability and bravery of the penguin chicks, as they undertake their first swim in challenging conditions.