On a visit to the emperor penguin

For several years the ship "Kapitan Khlebnikov" was the only tourist boat on which people can observe penguins in their natural habitat. His last outing in the sea ice is scheduled for November 24, and all tickets are already sold out.





Emperor penguin chicks at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, off the coast of West Antarctica, are so similar to the heroes of the animated film "Happy Feet." (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



For explorers of the Antarctic this year may be the last, when they will be able to delve into the region to watch the penguins in their natural habitat. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Emperor Penguin jumps out of the water near Snow Hill Island. 55-year-old Norwegian photographer Pal Hermansen from Oslo visited the Snow Hill two years ago, until the last tourists visiting the province. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



For several years the ship "Kapitan Khlebnikov" was the only cruise ship on which people could watch the penguins in their natural habitat. This icebreaker is a super-powerful body and a special shape that allows it to effectively penetrate the ice. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



"Kapitan Khlebnikov" - a Russian icebreaker in which 100 lucky can see the newborn penguins. Typically, the journey begins in October, which gives visitors the opportunity to see the chicks when they are two months old. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



But now the rental USS ended, and he will return to the Russian shores. "The demand for tourism in Antarctica has grown significantly over the past few years, and now the region is floating a few ships. However, while there was only one ice-breaker that could swim so far - is "Kapitan Khlebnikov." Emperor penguins breed their colonies on solid ice, respectively, to reach them, you need to swim to solid ice. Build Icebreaker very expensive. Who is suitable for ships that travel is simply no ", - says the photographer. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



"Guides are closely watching to ensure that penguins do not worry, but complaints about this type of tourism has not yet happened." Travelers usually take pictures of birds from afar. Passengers are working icebreaker Photo courses for beginners. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Last trip to meet with the penguins take place on 24 November and will last for 15 days. It is for this reason that all the tickets have been bought. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Emperor penguins and their chicks in a blizzard. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Emperor penguins and their chicks. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



A baby emperor penguin peeking from under the feet of his father at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Emperor penguins and their chicks. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Emperor penguins on the ice together before diving into the sea. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Nestling looks out from his warm "nest." (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Abandoned emperor penguin egg. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



The icebreaker "Kapitan Khlebnikov" on the ice in the Weddell Sea. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



Norwegian photographer Pal Hermansen. (PAL HERMANSEN / STEVEBLOOM.COM / BARCROFT MEDIA)



via source