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Penguin Rescue (2018)
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(EXCITING MUSIC) Play me the music Give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the street I don't wanna be some kind of toy I'm not a killjoy Just have a little faith in me I'll make you see I see a little skeptic in your eyes And you don't even care to compromise But let me show you what I mean Show you what I mean Play me the music, give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the streets Give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the streets Let me see your smiling faces In all of them places If you wanna feel the way I do, be true Play me the music and I will do it all for you Play me the music, and I will do it all for you (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) Good morning, Space Explorers. Good morning, Captain Maya. I want to welcome you to the Space Explorer team. As you know, we Space Explorers fly around the galaxy to planets far and near, in order to help those in need. We're dedicated to doing just that, Captain Maya. Nick, you've passed all your exams with flying colors. Yippee. And Sammy, your skills with a space pod and love for adventure and fun make me very excited to see what you can do in a real mission. I won't let you down, Captain Maya. I have no doubt you two will make a perfect team together, and learn from one another as you become true Space Explorers. We're ready. I'm very glad to hear that. I will be assigning you to your very first mission. Do either of you recognize this planet? Yes, Earth. I've read plenty on it in my space encyclopedia. It's my favorite. I love Earth. There's so much to learn, and so much to see. Plus, the animals are adorable. People live on Earth, don't they? They do? There are currently around seven and a half billion people living on Earth. 7.5 billion. How much is that? To put it into perspective, if everyone on Earth held hands in a chain, they would be able to wrap around the planet about 320 times. How big is planet Earth? The Earth's circumference is 40,075 kilometers. It's the fifth biggest planet in the solar system. And how many species can live there? Earth is home to about 8.7 million species. Six and half million of them live on land, while the other 2.2 live in the ocean. That's amazing. It is, and you'll be able to meet some of these species today. Now, your mission will be to travel to Earth, and save a penguin who's in need of your help. A penguin? I love penguins. They're so cute. They are. This particular penguin is lost. Oh no, poor penguin. She became separated from her group, and now she's lost somewhere in Antarctica. She needs our help. We'll save her. We couldn't locate where the penguin is, so you'll have to do some detective work yourself, and find her whereabouts. Do you think you can do that as a team? Absolutely, this team is unstoppable. And remember, Nick and Sammy, you are still explorers in training, and to graduate to full fledged explorers, you will have to save the penguin and win the competition before Rumble and Tumble do. We can win this. Yeah, we'll become true Space Explorers soon. (LAUGHING) You will meet with Commander Gruff later to check out your new space pod. Good luck, young Space Explorers. (EXCITING MUSIC) This space pod is incredible, Commander Gruff. This, my dear explorers, is the new and improved space pod. Whoa, we're going to have to save the penguin and win the competition in this, for sure. Let me introduce you two to the amazing generation two space pod. Her name is Skya. Skya? SKYA: Yes, Sammy, that's my name. How cool. SKYA: Hello, Commander Gruff. Sammy and Nick, welcome. Nice to talk to you, Skya. Hi, Skya. Hello, Skya. Nice to meet you. SKYA: Nice to meet you, too. What is our mission, Commander Gruff? Skya, you will be escorting Space Explorers in training Nick and Sammy to their very first mission to planet Earth. SKYA: Quite exciting. COMMANDER GRUFF: Skya, please activate Cup-K. SKYA: Yes, Commander Gruff. Cup-K is so cute. Hello, how can I help you? Hello Cup-K. Hey Cup-K, how are you? (GIGGLING) I'm great. Been resting from a gigantic scrap metal feast. Now I'm ready for some space travel. I've programmed Cup-K so that it will help you discover facts about Earth's animals. Cup-K will definitely help us win this competition against Rumble and Tumble. You bet ya. (GIGGLING) Yeah. This is Earth. You can press any part of the planet, and it will take you there. Anywhere on Earth? COMMANDER GRUFF: Anywhere. That's incredible. And during your mission, whenever you need to contact me, just say, call Commander Gruff. And I'll appear on your little screen. Even from Earth? Absolutely, it's programmed so that we can communicate from one end of any galaxy to another. Ooh, that's incredible. Now, Space Explorers, buckle up, and get ready for your mission. Yes, Commander Gruff. Your first destination will be Antarctica. Antarctica? Yes. The Antarctic is a polar region around the Earth's south pole. The Antarctic region includes ice shelves, waters, and island territories where seals, penguins, whales, and other wildlife live. Ooh, chilly. And awesome. SKYA: Destination is set to Antarctica. Alright, then. I'll see you two back when the mission is complete. Good luck, explorers. - Be safe. - We will. Thanks, Commander Gruff. Space Explorers are on the way. To find that penguin and save the day. (EXCITING MUSIC) Hey Sammy, I found something very interesting about Earth. What's that, Nick? I did some research, and apparently, the Earth is not completely round. SKYA: You're right, Nick. The Earth is actually an oblate spheroid, which means that it is a sphere with a bulge around the Equator. Equator? SKYA: The Equator is an imaginary line drawn around the Earth that divides it exactly in half between the northern and southern hemisphere. Why does the Equator stick out, Skya? SKYA: It occurs because Earth is rapidly rotating on its axis. The force of the rotation causes the sides of the Earth to want to move outwards. This is called the centripetal force. How powerful is it? SKYA: Well, if you were standing on the Equator, you would be spinning around Earth's center at 1,000 miles per hour. I think that would make me throw up. SKYA: There are animals, people, and plants that live at the Equator, and they're just fine, Nick. So you shouldn't worry too much. But, what keeps everything on Earth from flying off because of force? SKYA: That's an excellent question, Nick. Oh, I read about this. The reason everything on Earth's surface stays on it is because of gravity. Wow. SKYA: Exactly, good work, Sammy. What about you, Nick? Do you know what gravity is? No, I don't. Skya, please explain gravity. SKYA: Gladly. In the simplest terms, gravity is a force that pulls two objects together. Think of it like this. When you're on Earth, the planet pulls you and keeps you on the ground. NICK: What happens when there's no gravity? If there were no gravitational pull, everyone would be floating into space. (GIGGLING) Is it the same for everybody and everything? SKYA: No, it isn't. Gravity has a stronger force for objects that are bigger and heavier and less for objects that are smaller and lighter. SAMMY: Do all the planets have gravity? SKYA: Why yes, anything and everything with mass has the force of gravity. Depending on the mass, the gravitational pull will be different. For instance, a person who weighs 150 pounds on Earth will weigh 354 pounds on Jupiter, because it is such a giant planet that the gravity is so much stronger than Earth's. CUP-K: That sounds like me after a huge meal of scrap metal. There's so much water on Earth. Everyone must love swimming. SKYA: Speaking about water, did you know that Antarctica contains about 70% of Earth's fresh water, and 90% of it is ice? Oh my. All the wildlife in Antarctica must be freezing, then. They probably don't like swimming there. SKYA: Not really, Sammy. Antarctic animals have adapted traits to keep warm from the cold temperatures. For example, penguins have thick fat layers called blubber that protect them from the cold and keep these warm blooded creatures warm. NICK: What about the other animals? How do they keep warm? SKYA: The Antarctic birds and mammals are warm blooded animals, so they must keep their internal body temperatures high to remain active. These animals are known as endotherms. That means they generate heat from the inside of their bodies. SAMMY: What's the opposite of endotherms? SKYA: Ectotherms. These animals are mostly non-Antarctic animals. They are cold blooded animals. Their body temperature is regulated by external sources such as sunlight or a heated rock surface. Fish are ectothermic and so are amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. NICK: Fascinating. SKYA: So you see, ectotherms have to get heat from their environments, but because Antarctica has such extreme environments, ectotherms have a hard time living there because there isn't enough heat for them to warm up and become active. NICK: Does that mean that humans are endothermic, then? SKYA: Absolutely. SAMMY: And penguins? SKYA: Correct. NICK: And seals. SKYA: Yes. SAMMY: How are these animals able to generate heat from inside? SKYA: There are two things. The first is that they take in enough food to make the energy to generate heat. The second is that they have physical, psychological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to do so. What are adaptations? SKYA: Wonderful questions, explorers. Adaptations happen when any living being adjusts something about themselves to survive in a changing environment. SAMMY: Can you give us an example? SKYA: Of course. In order to survive the heat and the sand of the desert, camels had to adapt their bodies. They have humps that store fat, which can be used as energy during a long walk so they don't have to eat for a long time. CUP-K: They also have thick hairs in their ears, and long eyelashes that keep sand out of their ears and eyes. Earth and its animals are so cool. Thanks for teaching us, Cup-K and Skya. (WINDS WHISTLING) (MOTOR BUZZING) Let's call Commander Gruff to let him know that we're almost at our first location, the cold Antarctica. Skya, call Commander Gruff, please. - (PHONE DIALING) - SKYA: Calling. Hey, Space Explorers. Hello, Commander Gruff. What's the news? We're on our way to Antarctica. You're making great time. Skya, what can you tell the Space Explorers about the penguins of Antarctica? SKYA: Six of the 17 species of penguin are found in Antarctica. There's the Adelie's, chinstraps, emperors, gentoos, macaronis, and rock hoppers. SAMMY: The lost penguin looks like a Adelie penguin. You're right. Good work, explorers. Good luck on your mission. The penguin needs your help. Look, Sammy. I think that's a whale. SKYA: Correct, Nick. It's a humpback whale. They are the largest marine mammals of over 80 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They can be found in all the world's oceans. SAMMY: What else can you tell us about humpback whales? SKYA: Humpback whales are extremely clever. They sing songs that can reach up to 20 miles away and can go on for hours. NICK: That's amazing. When do they sing? CUP-K: Whale songs are often sung during mating seasons when male whales sing to attract female whales. Sometimes, groups of whales will sing in unison, and change their songs to be in harmony with other whales. SAMMY: Is that also how they communicate to each other? SKYA: Yes, they also use loud, low pitch moans, howls, and whines. Each population has its own dialect, and sings its own whale song. Not a lot is known about why they do it, but it's quite amazing to hear one sing. I'd like to hear one song. Me too. SKYA: That can be arranged. Let's get closer to the pod of whales over there. And let's listen to their songs. (WHALE SINGING) SAMMY: That was amazing, guys. NICK: Wow, it was. It was beautiful music. Hey, what ocean is this? CUP-K: The ocean that surrounds Antarctica is called the Southern Ocean. It consists of the southern parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. NICK: Oh, what other animal species live in the Antarctic waters? SKYA: In addition to many different whales and penguins, there are also six species of seals, different types of birds from the snow petrel, the wandering albatross, the blue eyed shag, to the Antarctic skua and cape pigeons. That sounds incredible. I hope we get to meet lots of amazing Antarctica species while we're here. SAMMY: I'm sure we will. Look, Nick. That looks like penguins over there. Let's go check it out. (WIND WHISTLING) (MOTOR WHIRRING) SKYA: Here we are, Antarctica. SAMMY: Oh, will you look at the penguins? NICK: Hey, Cup-K, what species of penguin is that? CUP-K: That is an emperor penguin. SAMMY: What are they doing just standing there? CUP-K: They're resting. When Winters such as these get really cold, and the wind gets extremely strong, penguins will huddle in a giant group to keep warm. SAMMY: Ah, smart. (EXCITING MUSIC) (ENGINE WHIRRING) Whoa, hello there. I'm Perry. Hi Perry, I'm Nick. I'm Sammy. How can I help you? We're on a journey to find a lost penguin in need, but we don't know where to start. You've come to the right penguin. Now, Antarctica is 13,829,420 kilometers squared, man. It's roughly the size of the United States and Mexico combined. That's an enormous space to make snow angels. (LAUGHING) Yes, quite true. Antarctica is big. But never fear, I know it like the back of my hand, man. I mean, flipper. I can help you find your way around. That's really helpful, Perry. Yeah. Say, what else can you tell us about Antarctica? Well, I can tell you Antarctica is completely covered by a layer of ice that is averaged to be one mile in thickness. It could be three miles thick in different places. How long did it take to get all the ice in Antarctica? SKYA: It took over millions of years of snowfall to make Antarctica. That's correct. Whoa, that's a lot of snow. All penguins live here, Perry? A lot of us do. However, there are many different types of penguins, man. Some of them are in Antarctica, while others live in various parts of the world. Some even live in sunny areas, like the African penguin, humble penguin, Galapagos penguin, and others. No way. Penguins in Africa? Who would've thought? You're incredible creatures, indeed. Wow, why thank you so much. Now tell me more about the penguin you're looking for. We're looking for an Adelie penguin, actually. Do you knew where they live? Oh, Adelie's are cousins of ours. They're one of the southern most birds in the world, man. And usually live on the Antarctic coastline, and all the small islands nearby. But since it's breeding season, they're most likely on the coastlines of Antarctica. Oh, the poor penguin must have gotten lost while traveling from one of the islands to come to the coastline. You're right. We have to go find her before it's too late. But be careful of the predators. Adelie's and their eggs are often targeted by leopard seals. And by killer whales in the sea. And giant petrels, and skuas on the land. Skua? What in the world is that? SKYA: A skua is a sea bird. Yeah, he looks a lot like a seagull. Some of them can reach great sizes. Those are called great skuas. Oh no. How do penguins keep safe from them? Oh, they're colors help camouflage themselves against predators. They have a black back that guards against the depths of the sea, while their white stomachs blend into the bright sea surface above. Wow. Will they be hard to find? SKYA: Don't worry, Sammy. Even if they are camouflaged, I have special detectives that can spot body heat. Cool, Skya. Where should we head first, Perry? The Adelie land is a great place to begin your search. Many of the Adelie colonies gather there during the breeding season. Thanks for your help, Perry. We wouldn't know where to go if it weren't for you. Good luck, Nick and Sammy. I hope you find the lost penguin soon. Wow, Perry the penguin sure was nice. Absolutely. Now we have to make our way to the coastlines of Antarctica to find the Adelie penguin colony. Let's go. (MOTOR WHIRRING) You heard him, Tumble. We have to reach there before Nick and Sammy if we wanna beat them. Right. Wait, where are we going? Adelie land, Tumble. TUMBLE: Right. Why are we? RUMBLE: To save the penguin. Right, right, right. Beat Nick and Sammy and save the penguin. Sometimes, I just don't know about you, Tumble. I just don't know. What don't you know, Rumble? Never mind. (WIND WHISTLING) (EXCITING MUSIC) What's the status, explorers? We are on our way to Adelie land, where we're going to find the Adelie penguins. Great. Remember, the lost penguin has been lost for a couple of hours already, and we don't want her to starve, or wander off even more. Time is of the essence. Yes, Commander Gruff. We're going as fast as we can. Alright, good luck on your mission, explorers. And call me for a report after. The wind is so strong. SKYA: At times, the wind in Antarctica can get up to 200 miles per hour. It's why penguins have the need to huddle together to keep warm. I wonder if there are any human beings living in Antarctica. There are around 1,000 to 5,000 people living in Antarctica each year, but not permanently. How do you mean? These people are usually scientists who are performing research in Antarctica. What are they studying? Scientists and researchers from all over the world visit Antarctica to study many things. Some study the climate, some geology, and others study the wildlife. Why do they travel so far to study these things? It's important to learn what's happening to all corners of the world. The research of these scientists in Antarctica has helped people understand and realize global problems, such as climate change. I'm curious about where these researchers live. Do they build houses? SKYA: These scientists live in research stations that are constructed on either rock or ice that is fixed in place, meaning that they can't move. SAMMY: It must be a tough job to be a researcher in the Antarctic. SKYA: It is, but many of the research done in Antarctica has helped people understand more about climate changes and rapid effects of temperature on glaciers. NICK: It's extremely important to learn about the world around us. CUP-K: Exactly. (GIGGLING) That's why a total of 30 countries operates year round in the research stations in Antarctica. SAMMY: Whoa, do you think they study other things as well? Do they study any trees or shrubs? Interestingly, no. There are no trees or shrubs in Antarctica to study. But, there are two species of flowering plants that can be found. Really? What kind are they? CUP-K: There's the Antarctic hair grass, and the Antarctic pearl wort. They live in the Orkney and Southern Shetland islands. As well as along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. How are they able to live in such extreme weather? CUP-K: They are specially adapted to survive in harsh and extreme environments, where there's low temperature and less hydration. SKYA: The size of the plants and the structures are such adaptations. Small plants mean small roots, and that means they can live in areas with only a little bit of soil. NICK: Amazing. What are other adaptations? CUP-K: Plants grow close to the ground, and close to each other, so that they can resist the cold weather, and not take as much damage from ice particles or snow that are carried by the strong winds. SAMMY: That's fascinating, Cup-K. Is that all the vegetation found in Antarctica? CUP-K: Yeah, Sammy, that's all. SAMMY: Wow, it's so barren. SKYA: Here we are, Space Explorers. We're currently in Adelie land, also called Terre Adelie in French, where a large group of Adelie penguins can be found. SAMMY: What are those penguins doing, Cup-K? CUP-K: The Adelie's are currently in the breeding period, which happens between September and October. Male Adelie's build nests by collecting stones and forming them into small mounds. How adorable. Oh, look at the eggs. Why is one so much bigger than the other? If food is limited, then the parent penguins will only tend to one egg while the other will die. That's extremely sad. SKYA: It is part of nature, Sammy. But both parents are extremely devoted to taking care and defending their offspring while they grow. They make sure nothing happens to their chicks. (EXCITING MUSIC) (MOTOR WHIRRING) Hello, Adelie penguins. We lost one of our friends. Her name is Mimi. We took a long walk here, and she got lost in the middle of it. Please help us find her. Absolutely. Where did you walk from? We walked here from the South Orkney Islands. She should be around the Ross Ice Shelf. Don't worry, fellas. We'll bring her back. Yes, we are on the mission. It's been a harsh Winter, and we hope she's okay. Don't worry, Adelies, we're going to get her back in no time. Space pod, what is the Ross Ice Shelf? SKYA: The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest body of floating ice. Let's go see if Mimi is wandering around there. (MOTOR WHIRRING) - Yay, we're on our way. - SAMMY: Woohoo. What did the penguins say to Nick and Sammy? I don't know, but let's find out. We just need to find out what you said to Nick and Sammy. What he means is we will help you if you can tell us what you told our friends back there. They're not our friends. Sh, yes they are. Now, please, could you tell us where they're going? They're heading toward the Ross Ice Shelf. Oh, but we're afraid they might not make it. Why do you think that? We forgot to tell them about the mountain they must cross to get to the ice shelf. We're afraid we might have gotten them lost as well. (GIGGLING) Yes. I mean, oh no. Which mountain is it? They are headed towards the Ross Ice Shelf. Oh. Thanks for letting us know. Yeah, thanks. Do you know what that means? That we're going to beat Nick and Sammy to the lost penguin. Exactly, you're right, Tumble. We're going to win this competition, and we're going to be real Space Explorers. I can already see us in our new uniforms. Me too. I have an idea. TUMBLE: Oh yeah? What is that? Let's call our friend Cosmos. He's a total space geek. He knows everything there is to know about Earth. Oh, yeah. Great idea. Let's call Cosmos. Call Cosmos. Oh good golly, hey there Rumble and Tumble. What's going on? Hey Cosmos, we're in need of your help. Oh yeah? What do you need? We need help navigating around Antarctica. Antarctica, I know everything there is to know about Antarctica. Will you help us? COSMOS: What's in it for me? How does a big bucket of sardine flavored ice sound? Oh, yum. I want. Then please, help us find Mount Markham. That is very easy. Mount Markham is right by the Ross Ice Shelf toward the southeast of Antarctica. Awesome. Let's go. Wait, what are they doing, Rumble? Are they hurt? We can ask Cosmos, he'll know. What are those penguins doing down there, Cosmos? These Adelie penguins are tobogganing. Tobogganing? What is that? (BELCHING) This means that they are laying on their stomachs and pushing their ways forward with their feet, using their flippers to balance and to move. Wow, how fast do they go? It can be used as a fast sprint, or a leisurely cruise over a long period of time. They can move faster than a running person. That's incredible. Thanks, Cosmos. You're welcome, guys. Just don't forget about my big old bucket of sardine flavored ice. We won't. I'm sure Nick and Sammy don't know about tobogganing. Maybe we can use it to beat them to the lost penguin. Now come on, and let's go. (EXCITING MUSIC) Oh no, I think we're lost. What are we going to do? Skya, can you find our way to the ice shelf? SKYA: I can't. My global positioning system is being affected by the cold temperatures and doesn't seem to work right now. Sorry, guys. Let's call Commander Gruff to see if he can help us. Great idea. We need to find the lost penguin as soon as possible. Skya, call Commander Gruff, please. What's the trouble, Space Explorers? The cold temperature's affecting Skya's GPS tracker. We don't know how else to get to the ice shelf. Let me see if I can track your pod from the headquarters, and I'll guide you from there. Okay, it appears that you are near Mount Markham. Is that very far from the ice shelf? You're actually really close to the ice shelf. All you have to do is go over the mountain, and you will be in the Ross Ice Shelf. How tall is Mount Markham? Mount Markham stands at 4,351 meters tall. Wow. Will there be other penguins there as well? It's he time of year where penguins are migrating around Antarctica, so there should be one or two more penguin colonies there that could help us out. Great, let's get over this mountain, and see if we could find Mimi. What can you tell us about the Ross Ice Shelf, commander? Ice shelves are permanent floating sheets of ice that are connected to a piece of land. In this case, Ross Ice Shelf is connected to Antarctica. SAMMY: How do ice shelves form? COMMANDER GRUFF: Glaciers and ice streams form ice sheets that grow larger when the ocean is cold enough for the ice to not melt. NICK: How big is it? COMMANDER GRUFF: The Ross Ice Shelf is approximately 50 meters above the water surface. But 90% of the floating ice is below the water surface. SAMMY: Then how does it manage to stay up? COMMANDER GRUFF: Ice floats because it is 9% less dense than water. Think of density like weight. Ice has less density than water, which makes it lighter than water. So when ice is put into water, the water keeps it up on the surface. NICK: Even in salt water? COMMANDER: Especially salt water. Salt water is even heavier than fresh water, therefor it is able to hold up the fresh water glaciers and ice even better. SAMMY: Wow. SKYA: However, there's bad news. Glaciers all over the world have been melting for more than 50 years now, and they're melting quicker and quicker. NICK: What's happening? SKYA: Earth is warming up because of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat into the atmosphere, keeping Earth's surface warm. Recently, there have been more and more greenhouse gases and the Earth is having higher temperatures than ever before. SAMMY: Oh no. What happens if the glaciers melt completely from the climate change? SKYA: Nothing good, Sammy. It will be a huge disaster. When glaciers melt, they add water into the ocean, which will cause sea levels to rise significantly. Many people who live by the coast or by areas of low sea levels will have their homes flooded. How high will the sea level rise? SKYA: If all the land ice on the planet were to melt, sea levels would rise by 216 feet. That's awful. Is there any way to stop it? There are a few ways, but it'll take a lot of effort, and a lot of people to do it. Everyone should help save the planet. SKYA: You're right, Nick. The ways you can help out is to make sure you use less energy. Turn off the lights when you don't need them bike or walk whenever possible, using less water and use green power. SAMMY: What does green power mean? CUP-K: Green power is power that comes from natural forces, such as the wind, water, coal, or solar energy. These are renewable resources, and they can help cut down the energy use. SKYA: And lastly, explorers, don't forget to recycle. It doesn't matter what planet you're from, make sure your trash is where it should be. Skya and Cup-K make excellent points. Yes, sir. Now that we've got the basic facts of the ice shelves out, I'll tell you about the life that lives near or on the ice shelves. As you can see, some penguins do get to the ice shelf when traveling to where they need to go. SAMMY: What do they do there? CUP-K: Some stop to get some food to eat. NICK: What's there to eat? COMMANDER GRUFF: Well, one of the foods the penguins love to eat are krills. SAMMY: What are those? COMMANDER GRUFF: Cup-K. Krills are small, swimming crustaceans that live in large groups called swarms. How fascinating. And say, what are crustaceans? CUP-K: Well, crustaceans are animals that usually have an exoskeleton, which means they have a skeleton on the outside. (GIGGLING) Some common crustaceans on Earth include lobsters and shrimps. SAMMY: Interesting. If penguins eat krills, what do krills eat? COMMANDER GRUFF: Wonderful question, Sammy. Krills scrape off ice algae from the underside of pack ice. NICK: Thanks, Commander Gruff. I feel like we've learned so much about Antarctica and its wildlife. COMMANDER GRUFF: And there's still plenty more to learn. Good luck, Space Explorers. I'll lead you to your mission. Captain Maya will be speaking to you soon. Hey, Skya, can we get closer to the penguins to see their behavior? SKYA: We'll have to be gentle and careful when approaching penguins because they might see us as dangerous. But we can send Cup-K out to get a closer look. Alright. Wow, this colony looks bigger than the others. The size of a colony depends on what they're trying to do. Those that need to breed tend to be in one colony, and others who are just hunting or migrating will be in another. (EXCITING MUSIC) How big can colonies get? They can range from thousands to tens of thousands. Space Explorers. Captain Maya. Commander Gruff has just briefed me on your trip to the Ross Ice Shelf. How's that going? Great, we've sent Cup-K out to get a closer look at the penguin behaviors, to see if we can figure out where the lost penguin could have headed. Hello, Captain Maya. Hi, Cup-K. And that sounds fantastic. How do the penguins keep warm, Cup-K? Aren't they warm blooded animals? They are, indeed, warm blooded. But they have developed physical traits that allow them to keep warms. For example, penguins have thick layer of fat to keep them warm, and they have a kind of oil on their feathers that keeps them dry from the freezing water. NICK: What about their feet? Don't their feet get cold? CUP-K: That's a great question, Nick. You see, there are arteries, which are blood vessels, in their legs that change the amount of blood flow, depending on the temperature of the foot. They allow enough blood to keep the feet a few degrees above freezing. SAMMY: That's amazing. Can human feet do that as well? No, penguins have adapted that trait to keep themselves and their feet nice and cozy. If humans were to stand barefoot on the Antarctic ice, they would get frostbite very quickly. (WIND WHISTLING) (YELLING) It's okay, Cup-K. It wasn't going to hurt you. What was that? CAPTAIN MAYA: That was a seal, an Antarctic fur seal, to be precise. How can you tell the difference between a fur seal and other seals in Antarctica? CAPTAIN MAYA: Well, Antarctic fur seals are the only seals in Antarctica to have visible ears. NICK: Then that means there must be other types of fur seals in the world. CAPTAIN MAYA: Definitely. There are nine species of fur seals worldwide. They were almost hunted to extinction for their fur, hence their name being fur seals. SAMMY: But there seems to be a big population of them here. CAPTAIN MAYA: And you are right. In fact, the Antarctic fur seal population in the South Georgia Islands is the biggest marine animal population on Earth. The population bounced back when baleen whales almost went extinct as well. NICK: What happened? CUP-K: Well, they could've gobbled me up. (GIGGLING) CAPTAIN MAYA: No way, Cup-K. Antarctic fur seals usually eat krill, fish, and squids. Not smart little robots. (GIGGLING) I guess I should've known that. Oh, that's okay. You never know what you're going to encounter in the wild Antarctica. That's right. Good luck, Space Explorers. Don't forget to hurry. The poor, lost penguin has been wandering for a long time now. We want to get her to safety as soon as possible. Definitely. Bye, Captain Maya. Alrighty, let's find Mimi. Maybe she got lost in this group of penguins. NICK: Cup-K, can you get closer to the penguins? Something doesn't seem right. SAMMY: What's wrong, Nick? NICK: Something seems off about this colony of penguins. SAMMY: I wonder what it is. SKYA: Oh, clever explorers. You are very observant. These are actually chinstrap penguins. They are another species of penguins that live in Antarctica. NICK: They sure look like Adelie's from far away. CUP-K: Chinstraps are around the same height and weight as Adelie's. SAMMY: Ah, I know why they're called chinstraps. NICK: How do you know? SAMMY: Look at their chins, Nick. It's as if they have thin straps going rom their chins to the top of their heads. You're right, they're adorable. Wait, but that means that Mimi's not here. Oh man, where could she have gone? Let's fly around the ice shelf to see if she's wandering around somewhere nearby. Good idea, Sammy. Cup-K, help us look, too. Of course. I hope Mimi is okay. Us too, Cup-K, us too. (MOTOR WHIRRING) Come on, Tumble. If they're going that way, we'll go this way. I'm sure we're gonna find the penguin first. Yes, we'll look where they aren't looking. (MOTOR WHIRRING) SAMMY: I hope she hasn't gone too far. NICK: What are those? Ooh, they're elephant seals. Much bigger than fur seals, and much more vicious. They have long trunk-like noses, like an elephant's. That's why they're called elephant seals. SAMMY: What are they doing there? CUP-K: They like the company of other elephant seals. They usually enjoy laying around the shore near the water. But they spend 80% of their lives in the ocean, where they hunt for preys like octopus, eels, squids, fish, and even small sharks. NICK: They must be great swimmers, then. As a matter of fact, yes. (GIGGLING) Elephant seals can hold their breath underwater for over two hours. That's the longest time of any marine mammal. How deep can they dive? They have been seen diving more than 1,500 meters underwater. Whoa. (WIND WHISTLING) (MOTOR WHIRRING) What kind of birds are those, Cosmos? These are Antarctic skuas. They are excellent flyers. Whoa. (EXCITING MUSIC) SAMMY: Are those whales? CUP-K: Yes, they're orcas. Sometimes, they're called killer whales. NICK: Oh wow, killer whales? SKYA: Yes, orcas are what is referred to as apex predators. SAMMY: What does that mean? CUP-K: It means that orcas are at the top of the food chain. They are the largest carnivores on Earth. NICK: What are carnivores? CUP-K: Carnivores are animals that eat meat. In fact, orcas feed on sea birds, squid, sea turtles, octopi, sharks, fish, seals, and dugongs. How does an orca communicate with others? Do they sing like humpback whales? No, orcas use echo location to talk to each other, and also to hunt. How do they do that? Orcas will make a sound that travels through the water until the sound waves hit something. Then, the sound waves will bounce back to the orca, and they will be able to detect where other orcas or objects are around them. That's phenomenal. What else? Yeah, what else? SKYA: Did you know that orcas have a culture? NICK: Animals can have cultures? SKYA: Why yes. By definition, culture refers to beliefs, values, and knowledge of a group that is shared among the group. In orca groups, also called pods, elder orcas pass knowledge to the younger ones about what to eat and where to find it, how to catch prey, and what to avoid. CUP-K: Older orcas actually teach the younger ones the different calls and vocalizations that are unique to each pod and family group. It's like an accent of separate orcas. SAMMY: Whoa. Orcas are such amazing types of whales. CUP-K: Well this might come as a surprise to you guys, but did you know, even though they're sometimes called killer whales, orcas are actually not a type of whale? SAMMY: What? Then what are they? SKYA: Get ready for the biggest surprise of this mission. CUP-K: Killer whales are actually a type of dolphin. They are the biggest kind of dolphins on the planet. SAMMY: Whoa, I did not expect that. NICK: Me neither. That's mind boggling, Skya. SKYA: Animals are fascinating, aren't they? (MOTOR WHIRRING) Those animals look like seals. Not even close, Tumble. They are sea lions. There are three big differences. Sea lions have ear flaps, and most seals don't. Sea lions walk on land using their flippers, but seals bounce on their bellies. And lastly, sea lions use their front flippers to swim, but seals use their back flippers. Wow, I didn't know they were so different. I feel some incoming winds. Let's be careful. (EXCITING MUSIC) (MOTOR WHIRRING) (WIND WHISTLING) It's a penguin. I think that's Mimi. Oh no, look. It's a crevasse. Skya, can you fly faster? SKYA: We're going as fast as we can. But in this wind, it's very hard to fly. We're not going to make it. We have to. Wait, where's Cup-K? Cup-K. Don't worry about me. I'm safe. Go. Save penguin. Stay behind, Cup-K. We'll get you immediately after. Skya, can you turn up the thrusters? SKYA: Thrusters turning to 100%. Hurry, we have to save her. SKYA: Thrusters are go at max power, here we go. Hold on tight, guys. Hang on, Mimi. (MOTOR WHIRRING) Oh no, we're too late. Nick and Sammy have beat us. It's alright, Tumble. We still have the competition. We have to win the competition. (MOTOR WHIRRING) But how are we going to win? I have an idea. You do? Yes, I do. Come on. What is it? You'll see. Let's go. (EXCITING MUSIC) Hi, I'm Nick. I'm Sammy. Oh, thank you very much, Cup-K, for saving me. I'm Mimi. We're glad to see you're okay. Yeah, we were looking all over Antarctica for you. We went to speak to some emperor penguins, then we went to Adelie Island, where we met some of your friends and family, who told us where you might be. But we got a little lost at Mount Markham. But then we found some chinstrap penguins. And then finally found you. I'm sorry you had to go through all the trouble. Oh, don't say that. It was no trouble at all. We just wanted to see you safe, and bring you back to your friends and family. They miss you very much. How I miss them, too. Just how did you get lost from your colony? I was with the colony for most of the way, then we had to jump across a similar crevasse from the one back there, and everyone in my colony made it except for me. Oh no. Then what happened? It took me down a different path, and I had to find my way back up. But by the time I got back up, everyone had left. Didn't they know you were missing? Well, when we migrate as far as we did, we just want to focus on ourselves and make sure we don't fall or get lost. It's hard to keep track of everybody else. Wow. You're very brave, Mimi. I'm just so glad you guys got me before I fell into that crevasse back there. SKYA: Hey, guys, let's not forget about Cup-K. He's still out there. Let's beam her on board right away. Yes, thank you, Skya. Oh, we're so sorry, Cup-K. We didn't mean to forget you. (GIGGLING) Oh, it's okay. It was a good exercise for me. Can you believe how strong the wind is out there? Did you guys know that the highest recorded wind velocity in Antarctica is 327 kilometers per hour? Which is a whopping 199 miles per hour. Wow. Hey Cup-K, this is Mimi. Mimi, this is Cup-K. He was the one who helped us save you. Oh thank you very much, Cup-K. Absolutely. It was my job to help you out. We should get back to Adelie land, where you can be back with your colony. (BRIGHT MUSIC) Here we are, back with your colony. Wow, I didn't imagine I'd ever see them again. Let's take you to your friends and family. Hi everybody. We've missed you. Thank you all so much. How can we ever show you our gratitude? Oh no, don't worry. It was an honor to help out. It definitely was. The journey we had taken to save Mimi has taught us a lot about penguins and Antarctica, which will help win the competition. What competition is that? You see, guys. We're Space Explorers in training. We still need to win a competition to become full fledged. Bonafide. Official. Space Explorers. Oh, how marvelous. Is there anything we can help you with? Well, now that you mention it. You could let us know something about penguins that Rumble and Tumble, our competition, might not know about. We can do that. Yay. Congratulations, Space Explorers. You've done a fantastic job. You've saved the penguin, and brought it back to its colony. Your mission was completed with great problem solving skills, openness to learning, and wonderful quick decision making abilities. Thank you, Captain Maya. I'm extremely proud of both of you. Now, it's time for the competition. Right. You will face off against the competing team, which is Rumble and Tumble. At the competition, you will be tested on different facts about penguins. The winner will be the team that knows the most about penguins and are able to recall the facts. We are ready. (EXCITING MUSIC) Greetings, explorers. EXPLORERS: Hello, Commander Gruff. Welcome to the competition. This is a competition that tests your knowledge on the animals you've met on your mission. Each time someone on your team gets a question right, your team will get a point. Nick and Sammy are a team, and Rumble and Tumble are a team. Each contestant will have 30 seconds to answer the question. The first team that answers five questions correctly wins the competition. Cool. Ready. Now, we will start with Nick and Sammy for the first question, then we will go to Rumble and Tumble. Are we ready? Ready. First question. What is two ways that penguins keep warm in such cold temperatures in Antarctica. Oh, I know. Penguins, as well as many sea animals, have layers of fat called blubber that insulates heat and keeps them warm. Also, their feathers have a special kind of oil that keeps them dry by not allowing any water to slip in between the feathers. Correct. Wonderful answers. Alright, Rumble and Tumble. Your question is this. Which different types of penguins live in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands? There's the emperor penguins, Adelie penguins, chinstrap penguins, gentoo penguins, and... The macaroni penguins, king penguins, and rock hopper penguins. Correct. That was perfect. (LAUGHING) We're the best. Sammy, Rumble and Tumble are easily catching up with us. It's okay, we've got this. Next question, Nick and Sammy. What are some of the predators to the Adelie penguins? Leopard seals and killers whales are their predators in the sea, and giant petrels and skuas are their predators on land. Correct. Wow, one more point for you, Nick and Sammy. It's two to one. Now, Rumble and Tumble, here is your chance to catch up. What are some things that penguins like to eat? Seafood. (LAUGHING) Yes, but what kind? Oh. I got this. Penguin's main diet is fish, but they also eat squid and small shrimp-like animals called krills. Correct. Nice one, Rumble and Tumble. Yes. Nick and Sammy, it's your turn again. What is another name for killer whales? Killer whales are also called orcas. You're right. Another point for Nick and Sammy. Woohoo. Rumble and Tumble. How many penguins are in a penguin colony? It depends on what they're doing at the time. It can range from just thousands to tens of thousands. Nice one, Tumble. Yes, a job very well done, Tumble. Another point for your team. Next, besides from waddling and swimming, penguins can slide on their stomachs. What is this movement called? Oh no. We don't know this one. If you do not answer this one correctly, the question goes to Rumble and Tumble. If they get the question correct, then they get the point. Oh man. Time's up. Rumble and Tumble, your team now has the chance to answer the question. If you get it correct, you will get one point. What do you call the movement where penguins slide on their stomachs to move around? It's called tobogganing. Yeah, tobogganing. You're both correct. Now the next question goes to Rumble and Tumble again. (LAUGHING) We're doing great, Tumble. We're gonna beat those two in no time. Just watch. Oh no, they're one ahead of us. It's okay, Nick. We'll get them back. Now, Rumble and Tumble. What are other species of animals that live in Antarctica? Name at least two other than the penguins. There's the seal. And the... And the... Penguins. He said animals other than penguins, dummy. Oh, yeah, sorry. Think, Tumble, think. We can't let them win. Oh, shucks. Oh no. Alright, time's up. The question goes to Nick and Sammy. Name at least two other animals that live in Antarctica. Name two of them that aren't the penguins. There are six species of seals, different types of birds like the snow petrel, the wandering albatross, the blue eyed shag, and the Antarctic skua and cape pigeons. Great job. Now, both teams are tied at four points each. So the next question will be for both of you. Whoever answers first and answers correctly will win the competition. Are you all ready for the last question? What is a penguin's swimming style called? I know. Me, me. I got it. I know this one. Oh, whoa there. Alright, Rumble called it first, so Rumble, what's the answer? It's called the penguin. Oh no, I'm sorry. That's incorrect. Sammy, you called it second. Do you have an answer? Oh no. Oh geez. Wait, we know, we know. Our friend Mimi told us. Yeah, tell 'em, Sammy. A penguin's swimming style is called the porpoise. Correct, and for additional points, can you tell me what the porpoise looks like? Yes, the porpoise is when the penguins jump in and out of the water in short arcs. Absolutely right, Nick and Sammy. You've won the competition. Congratulations. Yay. Yippee. And as for Rumble and Tumble, you guys did exceptionally well. And I must congratulate you two as well. I'm very proud of all of you. RUMBLE: Oh man, we've been beaten again. We'll definitely get them next time. (EXCITING MUSIC) Are you ready, Sammy the Space Explorer? Ready as I'll ever be, Nick the Space Explorer. Are you ready? Ready as always. (GIGGLING) What about you, Skya? SKYA: Ready, guys. Yay, we're on our way. Woo hoo. SKYA: Next stop, Australia. Play me the music, give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the streets I don't wanna be some kind of toy I'm not a killjoy Just have a little faith in me I'll make you see I see a little skeptic in your eyes And you don't even care to compromise But let me show you what I mean Show you what I mean Play me the music, give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the streets Let me see your smiling faces In all of them places If you wanna feel the way I do Be true, play me the music And I will do it all for you Let's make a run for it tonight Hold on tight 'Cause it might be a bumpy ride Side by side We can always make believe A fairy tale will not deceive So let me show you want I mean Show you what I mean Play me the music, give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the streets Let me see your smiling faces In all of them places If you wanna feel the way I do Be true, play me the music And I will do it all for you Once you try to understand The spell is broken Once you open up your hand Magic has spoken, only partners in crime We'll make water into wine Play me the music, give me a beat I wanna see you people dancing in the streets Let me see your smiling faces In all of them places If you wanna feel the way I do, be true Play me the music, and I will do it all for you Play me the music, and I will do it all for you (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) (UPBEAT MUSIC) (UPBEAT MUSIC) |
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