A brutal wind whips the snow into a frenzy, stinging my face with icy crystals, making my cheeks burn and my eyes water. Shivering, my teeth chattering as I huddle closer to my mum, needing her warmth against the cold and the unfamiliar sounds of this hostile land.
The grey skies are heavy with menace; skuas wheel overhead, their harsh cries a constant, unsettling reminder of the lurking danger. Small and vulnerable, I am easy prey, my downy feathers offering little protection.
My parents share the responsibility of raising me. I am shielded by them, and I make many friends among other young chicks.
It’s almost time for me to join the others on our trip to the sea. The salty tang of the sea air, thick with the smell of brine and fish, fills our lungs.
Following the others, their clumsy waddle is a comical sight. We embark on an exciting adventure, each step thrilling and full of unfamiliar sounds. I belly-flop onto the frozen snow; the cold sears my skin as I mimic my elders. This is fun as we slide across the snow.
Ahead the shore is littered with sleeping seals, their snores drifting through the air. We must overcome these obstacles, however perilous. A hop and a jump before I see a glimmering expanse of blue ahead. I am a little hesitant; a knot of uncertainty tightens in my stomach.
The older ones tumble one after another into the sparkling, crystal water. It must be ok. Here I go.
Full of grace, I glide through a jewel-filled ocean, the gentle sway of the ocean currents around me, filled with awe at the kaleidoscope of colours and bioluminescent creatures. For a minute, the thrill of the adventure eclipses my mother’s warning, silencing her cautions in my mind. Whoosh. Enormous jaws, bristling with sharp teeth, snap mere inches from my face. A rush of air from their movement, along with a profound sense of fear. I need to escape. My heart pounds as I speed across the water followed by this enormous creature. Rhythmic drumming fills my ears as I haul myself back onto the slick ice.
Safe now, but this silence feels heavy, a deceptive calm masking a hidden threat. This experience teaches me that danger is ever present. Staying together is key; if I remain alert and aware of my surroundings, I might avoid danger and live a long life. The harsh reality of life’s difficulties has already dawned on me; I know it won’t be a smooth path. Icy blizzards, howling winds that cut to the bone, and the constant threat of becoming prey while hunting for food is no fun. Life’s hard, but it’s especially tough if you’re a penguin.
The grey skies are heavy with menace; skuas wheel overhead, their harsh cries a constant, unsettling reminder of the lurking danger. Small and vulnerable, I am easy prey, my downy feathers offering little protection.
My parents share the responsibility of raising me. I am shielded by them, and I make many friends among other young chicks.
It’s almost time for me to join the others on our trip to the sea. The salty tang of the sea air, thick with the smell of brine and fish, fills our lungs.
Following the others, their clumsy waddle is a comical sight. We embark on an exciting adventure, each step thrilling and full of unfamiliar sounds. I belly-flop onto the frozen snow; the cold sears my skin as I mimic my elders. This is fun as we slide across the snow.
Ahead the shore is littered with sleeping seals, their snores drifting through the air. We must overcome these obstacles, however perilous. A hop and a jump before I see a glimmering expanse of blue ahead. I am a little hesitant; a knot of uncertainty tightens in my stomach.
The older ones tumble one after another into the sparkling, crystal water. It must be ok. Here I go.
Full of grace, I glide through a jewel-filled ocean, the gentle sway of the ocean currents around me, filled with awe at the kaleidoscope of colours and bioluminescent creatures. For a minute, the thrill of the adventure eclipses my mother’s warning, silencing her cautions in my mind. Whoosh. Enormous jaws, bristling with sharp teeth, snap mere inches from my face. A rush of air from their movement, along with a profound sense of fear. I need to escape. My heart pounds as I speed across the water followed by this enormous creature. Rhythmic drumming fills my ears as I haul myself back onto the slick ice.
Safe now, but this silence feels heavy, a deceptive calm masking a hidden threat. This experience teaches me that danger is ever present. Staying together is key; if I remain alert and aware of my surroundings, I might avoid danger and live a long life. The harsh reality of life’s difficulties has already dawned on me; I know it won’t be a smooth path. Icy blizzards, howling winds that cut to the bone, and the constant threat of becoming prey while hunting for food is no fun. Life’s hard, but it’s especially tough if you’re a penguin.
