April 25th really is the perfect date: not too hot, not too cold, AND it’s World Penguin Day! Did you know penguins have a secret superpower? Before diving, they groom themselves to trap air in their dense feathers. Emperor penguins regularly dive to around 100-200 metres in depth hunting fish, squid, and krill. But every time they enter the water, they risk predation. In Antarctica, hungry leopard seals are always on the prowl. To get out of the water quickly and safely (no awkward scrambling up the ice), penguins release those trapped air bubbles from their feathers as they ascend. This creates a lubricating layer that reduces drag and lets them accelerate like torpedoes, shooting straight out of the water and back onto the ice! Video by paulnicklen #OceanSchool #WorldPenguinDay #EmperorPenguin #Antarctica #Explore