Wings spread, this Adélie penguin waddles through an Antarctic colony. Its black tail gives it a tuxedo-like appearance.
Photograph by George F Mobley
Weddell seals are known for their docile nature and are easily approached by humans.
Photograph by Ralph Lee Hopkins
Wings spread wide, an Antarctic emperor penguin baby awaits its next meal.
Photograph by Noaa
Leopard seals, named for their spotted coats, are one of the primary predators of Antarctica.
Photograph by John Eastcott and Yva Momatiuk
Adélie penguin parents take turns sitting on their nest to keep the eggs warm. Constant care in their extremely cold habitat is crucial to chick survival.
Photograph by Peter Essick
Emperor penguins are the largest penguins, standing about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall.
Photograph by Giuseppe Zibordi, Michael Van Woert, NOAA NESDIS, ORA
King penguins' flippers are distinctively large, helping them dive deep in the icy ocean. On land, they waddle and toboggan across the ice—sliding on their bellies, and propelling themselves with their flippers.
Photograph by Steve Raymer
Largest of the dolphins, the killer whale, or orca, is a highly successful predator, feeding on fish, seals, and sometimes whales.
Photograph by Gerard Lacz, Animals Animals Earth Scenes
King penguins live on the more temperate islands north of Antarctica. Although their habitat is warmer than that of emperor penguins, king penguins have four layers of feathers and huddle together for warmth.
Photograph by María Stenzel
Integral to the food chain, tiny shrimp krill are the primary food source for many marine mammals and fish.
Photograph by George F Mobley
