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Reporter Bryan Smith is in Antarctica filming a group of scientists. They are coopting penguins as researchers by attaching to their backs a mini computer with lithium batteries that can last for up to three months. Their research is showing that penguins can dive to depths of almost 200 metres in the icy sea after fasting for up to 100 days and walking over 100 kilometres across the frozen land.
Curator’s notes
Bryan Smith and the scientific team he is with are able to approach and move amongst these wonderfully personable penguins that have absolutely no fear of humans. He explains the story in the context of the world needing to know more about this great unknown land and its unique resources, especially as there is growing pressure from tourist groups to visit the continent.
Penguins are possibly the most photogenic creatures on the planet. Nevertheless, it would have been nice to know more about the scientists who have been doing this work and how they too manage to survive the long months in one of the most inhospitable places on earth.
