A heartwarming video from Antarctica has captured the attention of viewers, featuring a penguin interacting with a couple in a surprisingly polite manner. The footage shows the couple standing on a snowy trail, unknowingly blocking the penguin’s path. The penguin, displaying impressive patience and awareness of its surroundings, waits for them to move. Known for using established paths, penguins often choose routes that make their journey easier, sometimes even opting for human-marked trails, though the flags are not meant for them.
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The video begins with the couple admiring the scenery, unaware that a penguin is quietly waiting behind them. When they notice the bird, they quickly move aside to let it pass. The person who shared the video captioned it: “When you’re too nervous to say excuse me and there is traffic on the penguin highway. Captured on the Antarctic Peninsula while on an expedition with.” The floating text humorously added, “Who knew penguins were so polite?”
Commenters reacted with playful responses, with one user saying, “Of course they are. Why do you think they go around dressed so nice in their little tuxedos? Distinguished gentle penguins.” Another quipped, “Bro is just an introvert.” Other comments described the penguin as “very demure, very cutesy” and even joked, “That’s a penguin grandpa on his way for a walk.”
Some users criticized the couple for blocking the penguin’s path, but Ciera Ybarra, who posted the video, clarified the situation. She explained that the red flags in the area mark a human trail, intended to prevent people from disturbing the penguins’ “Penguin Highway.” These birds sometimes use the human trails because they are easier. Ybarra emphasized that the couple had been following guidelines to maintain a safe distance from the penguins and hadn’t realized another one was behind them. Once they noticed, they promptly stepped aside to let it pass.