penguins spy in the huddle

Fur seals.

Chasing penguins is one of their favourite pastimes.

To the seals,it's just a game.

They normally prey on fish and squid.

But the Humboldts aren't taking any chances.

Higher up the beach is a colony of sea lions.

Although they look just like the fur seals,

they're three times bigger and they will kill penguins.

There's also rather a lot of them.

20,000 in all,blocking the way to penguins' nest site.

Crossing the blockade won't be esay.

HumboldtCam is already in the thick of it as the first penguins tries his luck.

Near the shore,sea lions are thin on the ground.

It seems suprisingly straightforward.

But nothing is ever that simple.

It's so easy to put a foot wrong.

But there's no turnign back now.

Their best chance is to run for their lives.

Fortunately for them,sea lions are slow and clumsy on land.

The penguins outmanoeuvre them every time.

A close call...then a bite!

But he escapes with his life.

The adcanced party makes it.

But only just!They desperately clamber to safety.

Their followers aren't so lucky.

Just in time,they find a place to hide-a sea cave.

It might offer shelter or hold hidden danger.No-one's keen to find out!