The cute waddle and innocence of a penguin, easily caricatured as comic like creature, speaks little to their toughness. Surviving brutal winters and fishing in frigid waters. Buried in snow to keep their eggs warm. Fighting off the skua and birds of prey. Avoiding the leopard seals looking for substance.

A variety of flightless avian foot soldiers carving out a niche. The Gentoo with its unique white tiara, the chin strap with a black line under its jaw, the Adele with its stubby beak and piecing eye and the Emperor ruling if nothing else in size alone.

Friendly or fearless they surround the visitor. Taking what may come from weather and wandering wastrels they waddle into our hearts.