A Penguin Chick's Brave First Steps | Penguins: Meet the Family | BBC Earth
With a little encouragement from Dad, he takes his first steps onto the snow.
His feet are perfectly adapted to the terrain,
with special fats to keep them from freezing and strong claws to grip the ice.
Dad keeps a close eye, but these first solo explorations
are so important for this chick's eventual independence.
Being able to make new friends will be crucial to a successful life in the colony.
But it can be dangerous to stray too far from Dad.
So strong is the parental urge to raise a chick,
that these adults who have lost their chicks in the bitter storms try to kidnap others.
Desperation can turn to violence.
This chick has had a lucky escape.
The volatile Antarctic weather can change in an instant.
Despite its cold weather adaptations, this chick isn't quite ready for complete independence.
Without its insulating adult feathers and the warmth of its parents, it will perish.
The chick's call is as unique as a fingerprint.
Even from a distance, through howling winds, Dad recognizes it.
That's enough excitement for one day.