November 13, 2006—For Antarctica's emperor penguins, looking before they leap isn't just a good idea—it's a matter of life and death.
Leopard seals prowl the icy waters, ready at a moment's notice to make a snack of an unwary bird. Penguins make up the bulk of a leopard seal's diet—a fact that didn't escape the makers of the upcoming animated movie Happy Feet, which features a villainous leopard seal.
Watch as one hungry leopard seal sends a waddle of penguins madly leaping, hopping, and sliding for safety, and learn the simple trick that allows some birds to escape the jaws of death.
National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.