In the harshest place on earth, love finds a way.

Mom gave herself the DVD of March of the Penguins for Christmas, so we watched it yesterday. It's definitely worthy of all the attention and praise it has received as it is a heartwarming story of Emperor penguins in Antarctica and their struggle to breed.

The most amazing characteristic of these animals is that they truly share the duties of bringing the baby penguins into the world. Before winter, they migrate to a breeding ground (where the ice is so thick that it won't thaw enough to be a danger to their young), find a mate to whom they'll stay loyal for a year (yay, monogamy in animals - it *does* exist!), and breed. The female lays the egg and pushes it to her mate who will sit on the egg to let it incubate for 2 months. Meanwhile, the female waddles the 70+ miles back to the sea to eat. The male remains at the breeding ground without food until the egg hatches 2 months later.














Soon thereafter, the mother returns to feed and protect her baby (from the elements) while the male returns to the sea. They continue this trade-off for months until the baby is large enough to fend for itself, at which point they all return to the sea and the baby is fully weaned.

I'm sure they are smelly and loud and yes, they are wild animals, but how cool would it be to have a penguin in your house?!? They could be so cuddly and cute.



















I highly recommend this movie - it's really wonderful to learn about these unique bird-fish animals. And how cute is their waddle?!?

That's my plug.

...scout's lady