Narrated by Blake Lively, the Three-Part Series Debuts on National Geographic Wild and Disney+ in South Africa
National Geographic has released the much-anticipated trailer for Secrets of the Penguins, a three-part docuseries that offers a breathtaking look into the lives of the world’s most resilient birds. Narrated by Blake Lively (Another Simple Favor), the series is led by Emmy and BAFTA-winning National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory and executive produced by Academy Award-winner James Cameron.
Premiering on 21 April on Disney+ in South Africa and on 22 April at 18:00 (CAT) on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, StarSat 221), Secrets of the Penguins dives deep into the lives of these charming, courageous birds. The series is part of Disney and National Geographic’s Earth Month campaign, inspiring audiences to appreciate and protect the natural world.
A Groundbreaking Look at Penguin Life
Over two years, Bertie Gregory and a team of 70 world-class scientists and filmmakers embarked on an extraordinary journey across diverse landscapes—from Antarctica’s Ekström Ice Shelf to the rocky beaches of Cape Town, the Galapagos, and Namibia’s desert caves. The series captures never-before-seen penguin behaviors, such as:
- Emperor penguins practicing egg transfers using snowballs.
- Hybrid “rockaroni” chicks, a rare mix of rockhopper and macaroni penguins.
- African penguins thriving in hidden cave colonies.
- Galapagos penguins cleverly stealing fish from pelicans.
One of the most astonishing sequences, first teased in April 2024, shows hundreds of emperor penguin chicks leaping from a 50-foot cliff into the icy ocean below, a survival ritual never before captured on film. This footage quickly became National Geographic’s most-viewed TikTok video, with over 165 million views across social platforms.
Episode Highlights
Heart of the Emperors:
The emperors are the largest and strongest penguins, surviving in the harshest environments. Bertie Gregory documents their intricate social bonds, revealing how family and friendships are key to survival.
Survival of the Smartest:
Some penguins have left the ice, adapting to deserts and tropical islands. This episode follows their incredible problem-solving skills and unique communication techniques.
Rebels with a Cause:
In the Southern Ocean, millions of rockhoppers, gentoos, and macaronis thrive against the odds. Bertie follows these daring penguins, uncovering their risk-taking behaviors and unconventional parenting styles.
A Star-Studded Production Team
Secrets of the Penguins is produced by Talesmith for National Geographic. James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm of Lightstorm Earth serve as executive producers, alongside Emmy and BAFTA winners Ruth Roberts and Martin Williams from Talesmith. Bertie Gregory is the lead storyteller, cinematographer, and producer.
Watch Secrets of the Penguins
- Streaming on Disney+ in South Africa: April 21, 2024
- Airing on National Geographic Wild (DStv 182, StarSat 221): April 22, 2024, at 18:00 (CAT)
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