I spy Abercrombie’s penguins

adelie

Holiday company Abercrombie And Kent has launched a webcam where people can spot penguins in Antarctica.

The company offers support into research into the fragile ecology of the Antarctic by sponsoring Dr James McLintock, Professor of Polar and Marine Biology, by assisting with high-tech weather monitoring equipment and the new penguincam.

The camera has been installed on Torgersen Island and studies the effect of climate change on Adelie penguins. As well as a research tool, it is part of an educational initiative whereby schools can sign up to view penguins in their natural habitat without the intrusion of humans.

Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Chairman of A&K, said, ‘Antarctica is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the world. It is also one of the most vulnerable and the first to show the real effects of climate change. We are deeply committed to supporting the University of Alabama’s vital research and delighted to bring the reality of life in a penguin colony into classrooms to highlight the importance of one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.’

To witness the intimate behaviour of the penguins and the challenges they face first hand, Le Boreal, A&K’s ‘green’ luxury expedition vessel visits the Antarctic during the breeding season on environmentally sensitive voyages, accompanied once a year by Dr McLintock himself.

A&K is offering an early booking discount of £2,000 per person who those who book by March 15, 2013. The 21 day voyage, December 19 2013– January 8, 2014, on board Le Boreal cost from £10,445 per person based on 2 people sharing. Children aged 7-18 are eligible for a 50% discount off non-promotional adult fares (booking conditions apply).

Click here to see the camera