Benedict Cumberbatch says "penguin" in BBC South Pacific Episode 5 - Strange Islands full clip

Summary

In New Zealand's forests, unexpected wildlife thrives, including the fjordland-crested penguins, known for their distinctive hairdos. These penguins, despite their forest habitat, venture to the sea daily for fish. The absence of large predators makes the woodlands an ideal place for raising chicks, who remain forest-bound until they embark on their first solo fishing trip at three months old. With no mammals reaching the island except bats before human arrival, New Zealand offers a unique haven for its pioneering creatures.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Most of New Zealand's pioneering creatures are drawn to the forests.
• 🌀 Life on Pacific islands can be strange and unexpected.
• 🐧 Fjordland-crested penguins, also known as 'pengwings', inhabit southern New Zealand.
• 🦸‍♀️ These penguins have a unique appearance with their funky hairdo.
• 🐟 Despite living in forests, they still have a strong preference for fish.
• 🛡️ The woodlands are attractive to these penguins because they are free from large predators, making it a safe place to raise their young.
• 🚶‍♀️ A fresh water stream through the forest provides a convenient path for parent penguins returning from the sea with food.
• 👶 Penguin chicks are born and stay in the forest while their parents bring food from the ocean.
• 🌊 The chicks can hear and smell the ocean but won't see it until they are three months old.
• 🛶 At three months old, the chicks embark on their first solo fishing trip.
• 🦇 New Zealand is beyond the reach of most mammals, and before humans arrived, only bats succeeded in establishing themselves.

Q & A

What creatures are mentioned as being drawn to the forests of New Zealand?

The script mentions pioneering creatures being drawn to the forests of New Zealand, specifically highlighting the fjordland-crested penguins.

What unique feature is noted about the fjordland-crested penguins?

The fjordland-crested penguins are noted for their funky hairdo.

Why are the woodlands of South New Zealand attractive to fjordland-crested penguins?

The woodlands are attractive to fjordland-crested penguins because there are no large predators, making it a safe place for raising their young.

What natural feature serves as a 'highway' for the penguins?

A freshwater stream through the forest serves as a handy highway for the penguins.

Why do the parent penguins use this 'highway'?

Parent penguins use the stream as a highway to bring food from the ocean back to their chicks in the forest.

At what age do the penguin chicks have their first experience in the ocean?

The penguin chicks have their first experience in the ocean at three months old.

How far is New Zealand from the nearest continent?

New Zealand is fifteen hundred miles from the nearest continent.

What is the significance of New Zealand's isolation for its wildlife?

New Zealand's isolation means it is beyond the reach of most mammals, with the exception of marine mammals and bats, which arrived before humans.

What do the penguin chicks rely on their parents for while in the forest?

The penguin chicks rely on their parents to bring fresh meals from the ocean while they are in the forest.

How do the chicks perceive the ocean before their first trip?

The chicks can hear the waves and smell the spray, but they have no idea what the ocean looks like before their first trip.