It’s been 20 years since March of the Penguins first gave us a closer look at the lives of those icons of the ice.
Fast forward two decades, and National Geographic is back with a brand-new series that dives even deeper into their world – and this time, it’s not just icebergs.
Introducing Secrets of the Penguins – a visually stunning, emotionally rich 3-part series guided by none other than Bertie Gregory, one of the most passionate wildlife cinematographers working today, and a BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning wildlife cinematographer.

Premiering first on Nat Geo 4/20, then will be available the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Bertie Gregory standing on a box with a drone remote in his hand, with Callum Stronach as a spotter. (credit: National Geographic/Ben Joiner)

The timing of this series premiere is apropos of coinciding with Earth Day on April 22..
Penguins are considered key indicators of the oceans health. 
I encourage everyone to do a deep dive into this subject, and then when you screen the 3 episode, you will have a greater understanding of these creatures place in the global ecosystem.
Here is just one article on the subject.

If you’re familiar with the majestic Emperor Penguins, you’ll get a whole new appreciation for their family dynamics in episode one. Watching them endure brutal temperatures while huddled for warmth and raising their chicks is nothing short of extraordinary.

Male and female Emperor penguin prepare for egg transfer. (credit: National Geographic)

Chicks huddling up together. (credit: National Geographic/Alex Ponniah)

This series doesn’t stick to the snow. We venture into Namibia’s desert caves and the tropical Galápagos Islands to witness penguins thriving in environments you’d never expect. That includes the first-ever footage of a hidden cave colony of African penguins. Yes – penguins in a cave. In the desert.

African Penguins walking between rocks on sandy beach. (credit: National Geographic/Andres Cardona Cruz)

And then, there’s episode three – my personal favorite – where we meet the comical, determined Rockhopper Penguins. Trust me, the moment you see them bouncing around boulders, you’ll know exactly how they earned their name.

And Bertie wasn’t alone. Here is contributor scientist Pablo ‘Popi’ Garcia Borboroglu that you’ll meet in the series, with the Rockhoppers.

Dr Pablo Borboroglu among Rockhopper penguins, looking through binoculars. (credit: National Geographic/Anthony Pyper)

One scene in particular will stay with you: a lone Rockhopper facing off against a sea lion. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s riveting. Another gem? Galápagos penguins stealing fish from pelican beaks like tiny feathered pirates and orchestrating sardine bait balls like pros.

Below are Galapagos penguins.

A small group of adult Galapagos penguins sharing a rock with a Blue-Footed Booby. (credit: National Geographic/Bertie Gregory)

And then – a jaw-dropping moment as hundreds of Emperor penguin chicks leap off a 50-foot cliff into the freezing ocean, bouncing back like absolute champions.

Emperor penguin chicks taking their first swim in Atka Bay, Antarctica. (credit: National Geographic/Bertie Gregory)

There’s even a Rockhopper/Macaroni penguin romance.

A group of male Macaroni penguins on nests and building nests. (credit: National Geographic/Marina Hui)

(Fun fact: Macaroni penguins weren’t named after pasta. British sailors in the 18th century used “macaroni” to describe over-the-top fashionistas, inspired by their flamboyant hats. Those yellow penguin plumes? Fashion-forward since day one.)

OK, a note about Bertie Gregory: as I mentioned, his passion on this subject, and actually all of his projects, bring you, the viewer into an intimate look in the secrets of penguins, like never before.

Here is a link to some of his other work, and I’m sure you will be hearing from him on many more videos in this genre.
Not necessarily penguins, but wildlife.
31 years old?
Wow.
It wasn’t just him, of course. With over 70 scientists contributing to the series and a lean video crew (sometimes just three people living in -30°C conditions for weeks), the dedication behind this show is just as impressive as what’s on screen.
Armed with an arsenal of high-tech gear – from RED Raptors to ME20 low-light cams and thermal imaging drones – the team captured wildlife moments the world has never seen before.

If you care about wildlife, climate, and just great storytelling, this series is a must-watch. The ocean is Earth’s life support system, and understanding how these unique species fit into the global ecosystem is more important than ever.

Secrets of the Penguins premieres April 20th on Nat Geo, and will also stream on Disney+ and Hulu.