In a delightful video from Antarctica, a penguin demonstrates remarkable patience and polite manners when a couple unintentionally blocks its snowy path. Posted to social media by Ciera Ybarra, the now-viral video shows a couple admiring the beautiful scenery and penguins, unaware that they are obstructing one penguin’s route. The penguin quietly waits for them to step aside.
Ciera Ybarra captioned the video: “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…” The text overlaid on the video reads, “Who knew penguins were so polite?” Once the couple realizes they are in the way, they quickly move aside to let the penguin pass.
@ciera.ybarra When you’re too nervous to say excuse me and there is traffic on the penguin highway Captured on the Antarctic Peninsula. #nature #naturephotography #antarctica #penguin #gentoopenguin #penguins #adventure #getoutside #travel #travelgram #cuteanimals #sillyanimals #funnyanimals ♬ original sound – ciera.ybarra
Ybarra provided additional context, explaining that the red flag on the trail indicates a human-made path, which tourists are to follow to stay safely away from penguin nesting areas. However, penguins don’t distinguish between human trails and their own, they simply take the easiest route, even if it means waiting for the other flightless mammals to move out of the way. “Penguins like the easiest route to travel, so a few of them found their way onto the human trail,” Ybarra wrote.
The sweet moment has captured the imaginations of millions of viewers. One viewer humorously noted the penguin’s politeness, writing, “Of course they are. Why do you think they go around dressed so nicely in their little tuxedos? Distinguished gentle-penguins.”
Here is the Instagram version of the video if you have trouble viewing the TikTok video above.
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