As National Geographic celebrates the twentieth anniversary of its Academy Award-winning documentary March of the Penguins, a groundbreaking new series, Secrets of the Penguins, delves deeper into the lives of these fascinating birds, reshaping our understanding of their behaviour and struggles. The series, which features three world-first episodes, covers everything from friendship bonds among Emperor Penguins to the challenges faced by South Africa’s African penguin.
Over the course of two years, acclaimed wildlife cinematographer Bertie Gregory, a BAFTA and Emmy Award winner, collaborated with leading scientists, utilising cutting-edge camera technology to bring these stories to life. Executive produced by the renowned filmmaker James Cameron, this innovative series promises a fresh perspective on penguin life. Gregory’s impressive career includes nine National Geographic projects. His latest series, Animals Up Close, is currently available for streaming on Disney+, and he holds the title of BAFTA’s youngest winner in cinematography for his work with Sir David Attenborough. To top it off, in 2023, his handsome looks and charismatic personality earned him a spot in People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue.
YLA: How was your experience working on this special project, and what were some of the most significant discoveries or insights you gained?
Bertie: Starting out was very daunting, especially considering how many iconic series there are about penguins, like March of the Penguins. People are quite familiar with them. Having filmed penguins in very remote and challenging locations, I know firsthand how difficult it can be. I was pleasantly surprised when we began filming. I thought I knew penguins, but I quickly realised I didn’t. They were engaging in new and surprising behaviours that had never been captured on film before, and this happened quite regularly.
YLA: What was your highlight during filming this particular series?
Bertie: I have a few favourites from filming. I loved capturing the emperor penguin chicks taking their first swim by jumping off a 50-foot ice cliff – something that had never been filmed before. I also enjoyed following the Galapagos penguin, one of the smallest and rarest species of penguins on Earth. They have learned to steal fish right out of the beaks of enormous birds, which was a wild sight to see. Overall, the series is packed with incredible, never-before-seen moments.
YLA: You travelled to Cape Town to film – what was your experience like in South Africa?
Bertie: I love South Africa. I’ve been lucky enough to film there several times, and we were actually filming there again for the new season of Animals Up Close, which is my other show on Disney+. I’ve often found myself in hard, cold places, so it’s always a relief to film somewhere more beautiful and welcoming, like Cape Town.
YLA: Of course, you came to Africa to film the continent’s only penguin. What was the African penguin like?
Bertie: I love penguins in general, but especially the African penguin. They embody contrast; on one hand, they’re goofy and clumsy, often seeming out of control, falling over and honking all the time. But at the same time, they endure some of the toughest conditions on Earth and are incredible free divers. It all seems unlikely, and yet here we are.
YLA: Do you personally think the African penguin has a chance of survival?
Bertie: Their future is really in our hands. It’s fairly straightforward: if we want to live in a world with penguins, we need to start looking after them better, particularly the African penguin. Unlike other species, such as the emperors, whose key threat is climate change – a massive issue that requires global cooperation – the African penguin faces more immediate threats that can be quantitatively addressed. These include the removal of their nesting material and overfishing of their prey. It’s simple: if you want to help African penguins, stop overfishing their food and stop damaging their nesting habitat.
YLA: Why is the African penguin’s survival so important?
Bertie: We shouldn’t care for penguins, African penguins, or any species simply because they’re cute and cuddly, or because looking after them makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside. Penguins are indicators of ocean health, and we humans need healthy oceans for our own future. Our success is tied to that of the penguins. So, regardless of whether you like penguins or not, we should all be looking after them.
YLA: What can everyday people do to help the penguins’ battle for survival?
Bertie: Whether you work for an amazing, powerful organisation like SANCCOB or not, there’s still so much you can do, like donating. Voting is important; choosing the right politicians who make pro-environmental decisions matters. Additionally, you can vote with your wallet. Every time you buy food, clothes, or drive a car, you impact the environment – positively or negatively. You can make a difference, even if you feel like you live far away from penguins.
YLA: Lastly, what animal species would you still like to explore and document?
Bertie: My other show on Disney+, Animals Up Close, has its first season already out. We’re currently working on the second season. We’ve filmed an animal that South Africa is quite famous for, that I’ve always wanted to film, but I’m not going to reveal what it is just yet – I’ll just tease you a bit! You’ll have to watch the next season of Animals Up Close to find out.
Secrets of the Penguins is now airing on National Geographic on DSTV.
