World’s coolest animals: Antarctica’s top five incredible wildlife sights

• • Escape
  • May 20, 2014 
  A TRIP to Antarctica means a chance to see some of the world’s most extraordinary creatures in one of the most remote destinations on the planet. 
  
  
  Despite being the world’s coldest, driest, windiest and highest continent, Antarctica hosts an amazing range of animal and bird life.
  
  So narrowing down the just a handful of wildlife highlights is no easy task.
  
  Here, luxury cruise operator APT has compiled its list of Antarctica’s top five wildlife experiences.
  
  1. King Penguin 
  
  As one of only two species of Great Penguins, these remarkable birds do not build nests, but incubate their eggs on their feet, keeping them away from the ice for 55 days. On hatching, the chicks form a creche to protect them from aerial predators.
  
  
  

  King penguins are the second largest species of penguin, and can reach almost 1m in height. Picture: APT Source: Supplied

   
  2. Weddell Seal 
  
  As the most southern dwelling of all mammals, these seals can be spotted on floating glaciers and on the sloping beaches of Antarctica.
  
  
  

  Weddell seals are known for their loud and varied calls, which can be even be heard above the ice from underwater. Source: ThinkStock

   
  3. Humpback Whale 
  
  The spectacular tail flukes of these majestic creatures have become a must-see of these icy waters.
  
  
  

  The humpback whale is the fifth largest animal on earth. Source: ThinkStock

   
  4. Macaroni Penguin 
  
  These extraordinary birds are the world’s most populous penguins with upwards of 11 million breeding pairs.
  
  
  

  Macaroni penguins were named by 18th century British explorers because their plumes resembled the popular feathered hats called macaronis (also referenced in the song Yankee Doodle). Source: ThinkStock

   
  5. Orca Whale 
  
  A species of dolphin, these magnificent creatures are among the planet’s most intelligent predators.
  
  
  
   
• Orcas, or killer whales, eat most sea creatures, including whales, seals and sea lions. Source: ThinkStock
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