Emperor penguin returning from dive at "Penguin Ranch"

An action beloved of film-makers and photographers is the penguin launching itself from the sea onto the ice. Just before they leave the water, the penguins put an extra effort into swimming to reach a speed where they can leave the water and make it over the ice edge. This one has got it just about right as it's just the right height so has got the effort right. I have seen Adelie penguins launch themselves over 8 feet into the air and land on the roof of a small floating boat when being chased by a leopard seal.

This is another picture from the temporarily captive penguin group at "penguin Ranch".

Photograph by: Emily Stone
National Science Foundation