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Where is it? -

Port Lockroy is a bay that forms a natural harbor on the northwestern coast of Wiencke Island in the Palmer Archipelago, in the western part of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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Penguin land -

It's located on the island of Goudier, which is about 200 meters (656 ft) long and 40 meters (131 ft) wide at its widest point. The island is mostly covered by snow and ice, except for some rocks where penguins nest. There is neither vegetation nor fresh water sources.

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Wild landscape -

The island is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, icebergs, and sea ice. Some of the nearby landmarks include Jougla Point, Lécuyer Point, Alice Creek, Dorian Bay, Neumayer Channel, Lemaire Channel, Anvers Island, Booth Island, Petermann Island, Pléneau Island, and Hovgaard Island.

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Édouard Lockroy -

The port was named after Édouard Lockroy, a French politician who financed the expedition that led to the discovery of the island in 1904. He is best known for advocating in support of the construction of the Eiffel Tower as part of the 1889 World's Fair in Paris.

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Whaling outpost -

Between 1911 and 1931, the site was used for whaling, but today it's mainly used for monitoring and preserving the Gentoo penguin colony and for tourism.

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Station A -

During World War II, the British military built Port Lockroy Station A on the small Goudier Island as part of Operation Tabarin, which served as a British research station until 1962.

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From research station to museum and post office -

In 1996, the station was converted into a museum and post office that operates during the Antarctic summer.

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UKAHT -

The station is operated by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) and is one of the most popular destinations for cruise passengers in Antarctica.

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Monitoring tourism impact -

UKAHT collects data for the British Antarctic Survey to monitor the impact of tourism on penguins. Half of the island is open to tourists, while the other half is reserved for penguins.

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Historic Site or Monument -

The site has been designated as a Historic Site or Monument (HSM 61) by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

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Slow mail -

The post office and gift shop accept American dollars, British pounds, and Euros as payment. Visitors can send letters and postcards through the red mailbox at Bransfield House, but they can take weeks to reach their destination.

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Operation Tabarin (1944) -

As mentioned, the site was the starting point for Operation Tabarin, which made the first measurements of the ionosphere and recorded the first atmospheric whistle from Antarctica.

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Three lonely buildings -

Port Lockroy consists of three buildings, the largest of which is Bransfield House, which, as already established, houses a living museum, post office, and gift shop. The core of the building was constructed from prefabricated timbers shipped from naval stores at the beginning of Operation Tabarin. The building was expanded and rebuilt several times during its operational life.

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The early days -

The museum features various artifacts and exhibits that reflect the lives and work of the early explorers and scientists who lived and worked in Port Lockroy. These include food rations, clothing, equipment, maps, books, radios and even a gramophone.

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Get an Antarctic passport -

The post office offers a souvenir passport stamp for visitors who want a unique memento of their visit to Antarctica. The stamp features a penguin and the inscription "British Antarctic Territory."

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Slow fashion merchandise -

The gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including jewelry with Antarctic motifs. Some of these items are made by local artisans or support conservation projects in Antarctica.

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Two old huts -

There are also two smaller buildings on the site: the Damoy Hut, built in 1975 as an emergency shelter and transit station for personnel traveling to the Rothera Research Station by ski-equipped aircraft, and the Nissen Hut, built in 1947 to store food and fuel. Both buildings are used today by UKAHT staff for lodging and storage.

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Gentoo penguins -

There are also about 2,000 pairs of gentoo penguins living here, breeding on both sides of the island between November and March. The penguins are very curious and friendly, and often approach visitors and staff.

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Penguin habits -

The penguins feed mainly on krill, fish, and squid, which they catch by diving in the ocean. They can dive up to 170 meters (557 ft) deep and stay underwater for up to seven minutes.

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Mates for life -

Penguins stay together for life, returning to the same nest site each year. They build their nests from pebbles they collect from the shore, or steal from other penguins! They lay two eggs, which they incubate for about 35 days. The chicks hatch in late December or early January, and are fed by both parents.

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Defense strategies -

Penguins deal with natural predators. Skuas and giant petrels prey on their eggs and babies, while leopard seals and killer whales hunt adult penguins in the water. To protect themselves, penguins stick together in groups, fending off attackers or fleeing to land or ice.

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Climate change impact -

Climate change is also affecting food availability, breeding success, and population dynamics of penguins. Warmer temperatures are causing sea ice to melt earlier and faster, reducing their habitat and shelter. Changes in ocean currents and winds affect the distribution and abundance of krill, the penguins' primary food source.

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Environmental monitoring -

UKAHT has been conducting a long-term monitoring program for the penguin population in Port Lockroy since 1996. The goal is to assess the impact of tourism as well as the effects of climate change and other environmental factors. Data is collected by UKAHT staff and volunteers.

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Want to become a penguin patron? -

The UKHAT Adoption Program allows people to support the conservation work at Port Lockroy by adopting a penguin for one year. 'Adoptive parents' can choose a name for the penguin. They also receive an adoption certificate, a photo of 'their' penguin, postcards, and up-to-date information about the penguin community.

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Working in wide-open isolation -

Each summer season, four UKAHT employees work in Port Lockroy. The employees are selected through an application process. For one year, they live and work at Bransfield House, where they share two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and an office, with limited facilities for electricity, heating, water, and communications.

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Knock, knock! -

Port Lockroy is visited by about 18,000 visitors each summer season, most from cruise ships that dock on the island for a few hours. Visitors are guided through the museum and post office by UKAHT staff or the ship's personnel, where they can learn more about the history and scientific research.

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Come in, but follow the rules -

Visitors must follow the rules to minimize their impact on the environment and wildlife. They must keep a safe distance from the penguins, not touch or feed them, not leave trash, not take souvenirs from the island (unless purchased), and not walk on vegetated or snow-free areas.

Sources: (USA Today)

See also: Precious penguin facts that will melt your heart

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