A young emperor penguin has appeared at the "Academik Vernadsky" station, which came as a surprise to scientists

The National Antarctic Research Center's social media page reports that an emperor penguin has visited the Academik Vernadsky station. Biologists note that this penguin is still quite young because it has gray coloration on some parts of the head.

Polar scientists say that the visit came as a surprise because emperor penguins do not nest in the area of the Ukrainian station, but choose colder areas. Their nearest colony is located more than 300 kilometers from "Academik Vernadsky".

"This species is unique in that it goes further south (up to several hundred kilometers inland) and breeds in the Antarctic winter, that is, when it is dark and very cold. They are also the largest penguins on the planet: they can grow up to 120 centimeters tall and weigh 50 kilograms", the report said.

Polar researchers note that the last time the appearance of the emperor penguin near the station was recorded in December 2020. "Especially it has taken a fancy to the place near the 'magnitki' — geomagnetic observatory", the scientists added.

On May 20, polar explorers of the Academik Vernadsky showed a cluster of Antarctic fur seals on the island where the station is located.