Secrets of the Penguins offers an incredible, in-depth look at the fascinating lives of the world’s penguin species. Emmy-winning cinematographer Bertie Gregory, known for his years of wildlife filmography, captures the beauty and struggle of penguins like never before in this captivating National Geographic docuseries. Streaming now on Hulu and Disney+, the series uncovers their intelligence, emotional depth, and the obstacles they face in their environment.

Secrets of the Penguins: A New Way to See Penguins
For years, wildlife filmmakers like Bertie Gregory have traveled across the globe to document animal behavior, but some moments still surprise them. Gregory’s latest project, Secrets of the Penguins, is no exception. This docuseries goes beyond the expected, focusing on the remarkable survival tactics of various penguin species, including those in the Galápagos Islands and the African desert.
In this two-year filming journey, Gregory and his team had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of these incredible birds. The crew endured long, challenging shoots to capture key moments, such as the emotional transitions of emperor penguin chicks, as they mature and begin their journey to the sea.

Secrets of the Penguins: Penguins’ Incredible Intelligence
One of the most memorable moments from Secrets of the Penguins comes from a stunning and unexpected event involving emperor penguin chicks. With the help of cutting-edge drone technology, Gregory’s team documented an extraordinary incident in which these young penguins, unaware of the challenges ahead, took a wrong turn while heading for their first swim.
This rare moment, showing the penguins accidentally launching themselves off a 50-foot ice cliff, highlights their instincts and intelligence. Gregory explains that the penguins’ first experience with the ocean is like humans being thrown into a swimming lesson without any guidance. The team’s patience and time on the ground allowed them to witness behaviors no one had filmed before.
In Secrets of the Penguins, Gregory hopes to show audiences how penguins defy the typical “bird brain” stereotypes, revealing the high levels of cooperation and cognitive abilities they possess. With its powerful storytelling, the series sheds light on the penguins’ challenges, both in the wild and due to environmental issues.
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Source: www.people.com