October 19, 2006

Animal Planet Canada Examines the Dangers of Climate Change on Penguins of the Antarctic, Nov. 17

Penguins live in the coldest and driest place on Earth - the Antarctic - but like many other animals across the world, the growing threat of global warming could put their habitat in danger. Premiering Fri., Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Animal Planet, Penguins of the Antarctic explores the effects of climate change on the behaviour and environments of these iconic creatures. Watch as this visually stunning one-hour special examines how each species of penguins will have to adapt to the changing environment in order to avoid extinction.

**Media Note** - Download photography from Penguins of the Antarctic on-line at http://www.ctvmedia.ca/animal_planet.asp.

Penguins are true survivors, living in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. With winds exceeding 160 kilometres per hour and temperatures plunging below -70 C, these fascinating creatures continue to make the Antarctic their home. Living in large groups, their ability to thrive in such extreme weather conditions is a remarkable feat. But with the looming threat of warmer temperatures in the South Pole, can these penguins survive one of the biggest environmental issues facing the world today?

Penguins of the Antarctic investigates the positive and negative effects of climate change in the South Pole. While some areas of the Antarctic are getting warmer, other areas are experiencing colder temperatures. Watch as biologists attempt to decipher which weather patterns will most profoundly affect each species of penguins. As the weather changes below their feet, will some penguins thrive while others perish?

This compelling one-hour special examines various penguins to determine how each species will adapt to the changes in the South Pole. The emperor penguins remain in the most southern parts of the Antarctic when others head north to warmer waters. These beloved birds are forced to put their survival skills to the test every year, as their colonies disappear into the sea with each passing winter. Meanwhile, the king penguins may be able to turn rising temperatures in their favour - they thrive in warmer climates. With their numbers increasing steadily in the last 20 years, witness their migration south as the ice cap of the Antarctic melts. With some benefiting from warmer climates and others thriving in colder temperatures, which type of penguin will stave off extinction by adapting to the serious climate changes in the Antarctic?

Animal Planet is an animal lover's paradise. Whether cats and dogs or lemurs and elephants, Animal Planet focuses on what makes the relationship between humans and animals so special. The channel launched in Fall 2001.

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For More Information:

Sónia Brum
416.332.5903 or sbrum@discovery.ca

Jodi Cook
416.332.4426 or jcook@discovery.ca

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