Today is World Penguin Day, a day to celebrate all things penguins.

While I have recently posted about my experience with penguins in the Antarctic, my love for these curious animals goes way back.

I can remember visiting Sea World in San Diego (way before any documentaries came out) and always loving the huge penguin habitat. It was my favorite thing to see as a child, and I clearly remember my fascination starting with these curious little creatures.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and the fascination has never waned. When I booked the trip to the Antarctic in 2013, I couldn't believe that I would actually get to meet penguins in the wild. The first moment I saw Magellanic penguins on the beach in the Falklands Islands, curiously watching droves of humans land on their island, it was even more magical than I had dreamed. I cannot explain the feeling that washed over me as I continued to observe Magellanic penguins in the Falklands, King penguins on South Georgia Island, and the Gentoo and Chinstraps on Antarctica.

A Gentoo penguin makes its way across the snow in Antarctica.

Chinstrap penguins use an ice floe to relax and soak up the Antarctic sunset.

A King penguin couple on the beach in South Georgia.

Thank you for allowing me to share my experience with the penguins with you. I find myself missing the penguins.