Around three to four weeks after hatching, chicks begin to lose their feathers. This process results in their plumage being non-waterproof, making them vulnerable to the elements and exposing them to a lack of insulation. Consequently, they must wait until their waterproof feathers grow back before venturing into the sea to feed, a delay that can cause them to lose up to 3 to 4kgs in weight. Under the supervision of our guides, guests will slowly approach the colony and bear witness to one of the planet's most rarely viewed wildlife events. Here, both adult Emperors and their chicks can be respectfully viewed (never closer than 5 meters / 16.4ft). #Antarctica #antarcticaexpedition #queenmaudland #atkabay #antarctica #glacier #explore #exploreantarctica #whitedesert #whitedesertantarctica #FreezeFrameAntarctica #voyaged #wildlife #nature #wildlifephotography #responsibletourism #penguins #emperorpenguins #earlyemperors #travelphotography