You just put one flipper in front of the other: Cute moment penguin appears to teach his friend how to walk

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 29 September 2013

A baby emperor penguin appears to be teaching its friend how to walk in this set of adorable pictures.

Either that, or it thinks it is Usain Bolt as it strikes a pose in the image of the lightning-fast Jamaican sprinter.

Meanwhile, another young penguin argues its case with a friend, gesturing with its wing as if to make a point.

Poser: This young emperor penguin seems to think it is Usain Bolt as it mimics the Jamaican sprinter's trademark celebration 

Care to dance? Another penguin seems to want engage in a jig with a friend

The new-born penguins are simply enjoying a tranquil day in the cold sunshine - because no predators are nearby.

However, one shot has a large crowd huddling close together, hoping to stay warm in each others' company.

Their curiosity entertained wildlife photographer Jan Vermeer, 51, who sat close by watching the action.

Mr Vermeer, from Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, travelled to Snow Hill Island in Antarctica to capture the shots.

Help is at hand: These two seem to be helping each other cross Antarctica's freezing terrain

He said: 'Fortunately the penguins are not afraid of humans as they have never seen us before - it's the most remote place in the world.

"They have no fear but they are curious and, if you wait long enough, they come closer to you.

'Daily life for penguin chicks is not that exciting - as long as they aren't being attacked by any predators.'

The playful penguins have very little to worry about compared to their parents.
They have to find a spot 100km from the open sea in the cold winter to hatch an egg.
Once the summer heat begins melting much of the ice, the sea comes closer so that when they hatch, their babies are ready to dive in.

Jan said: 'Females lay one egg and leave it with their partner before heading out to sea for two months.

Gathering: This large crowd huddle close together, hoping to stay warm in each others' company

'The male emperor penguin holds the single egg on his feet, gently cradled in its brooch pouch to keep the egg from freezing.

'He doesn't eat anything during this period and, when the female returns, they trade off brooding duties.

'Raising a healthy chick in frigid environment like Antarctica is a touch job, requiring the work of two parents.'

Antarctica is not an easy place to travel to and Mr Vermeer pointed out the difficulty he had in making it to the island.

He said: 'It's a tough place to get to because there is only one ship which offers tours here.

'When it's very cold, the ice is too thick and the boat cannot get close enough to the island.

'What they do then is park as close as they can and you travel the rest of the way by helicopeter - but this can get expensive.

'It's worth it though - I think these are the best photos I've ever taken.'

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