Penguin colony draws global attention in Chilean Patagonia: Video
Thousands of Magellanic penguins return each year to Los Pingüinos Natural Monument on Magdalena Island in Chilean Patagonia, turning the protected reserve into a major attraction during the species’ breeding season, which runs from November to March.
Tourists travel from Punta Arenas to the island to witness penguins nesting and raising their chicks, with ferry operators offering guided trips that also allow visitors to spot whales, sea lions and seabirds depending on the season. Many visitors describe the experience as a rare opportunity to see wildlife up close in a fragile and remote ecosystem.
The site has also become a focal point for conservation concerns, as visitors and local rangers warn that the penguin population has declined sharply in recent years. According to estimates cited by park authorities, breeding pairs on the island have fallen to around 6,000, down from more than 60,000 in the late 2000s, underscoring growing worries about the long-term survival of the species.
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