The Emperor Penguin - 2019 Uncirculated Cupro Nickel Coin

The Antarctic winter begins in March and unlike other animals who sensibly make their way to the warmer parts of the Antarctic, the Emperor penguins march 200 miles in the opposite direction, across the pack ice, in order to breed in the coldest place on Earth.  These nesting sites may be many miles from the sea and up to 25,000 birds will make their way to the sites.  The female lays a single egg which both parents initially protect from the ice by resting it on their feet, carefully manoeuvring the egg backwards and forwards.  The female then returns to the sea to feed, leaving the male in sole charge of their prized possession.  During this time, which can be around 115 days, the male eats nothing, relying on his reserves of blubber to keep him alive.  During this time the males huddle together, taking it in turns to stand in the middle of the huddle to try and survive the icy cold winds of up to 120 mph.  When the female returns, after the egg has hatched, and manages to find her mate amongst the hundreds of fathers by his call.  It is at this point that the fathers can leave to take their turn at sea to feed.  This epic journey featured in the television series ‘Dynasties’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough which was filmed in Antarctica.