In Antarctic sub-zero temperatures scientists use Crittercam to take a virtual ride under the ice with the emperor penguin to study the impact of climate change on these majestic penguins world

In the frozen wastelands of Antarctica, where oceans ice over and just staying alive is an achievement, one creature has perfected the art of survival: the emperor penguin. Emperors are superbly designed to withstand the sub-zero temperatures and howling Antarctic gales.

Parts of Antarctica are warming, giving birth to huge icebergs - some the size of a small country - and the consequences could be catastrophic for this majestic animal. Emperors of the Ice follows two veteran researchers who return to the coldest place on the planet, to see for themselves if the emperors can weather the storm.

Employing the Crittercam technology, our researchers follow the penguins and their world from their perspective. They watch them search for food, rear their young and dodge predatory leopard seals.

This and the gathering of environmental data helps the researchers understand these amazing animals and take a view on their future as the balance of life in the Antarctic continues to change.

Filmed & produced by Greg Marshall
Produced for National Geographic Television & Film (2004)