Two Widowed Fairy Penguins Hug And Comfort Each Other In Award Winning Photos

December 24, 2020

A heartwarming scene has become the winning photo of the "Ocean Photography Awards 2020" taken by photographer Tobias Baumgaertner.

penguins hugging
Credit: Tobias Baumgaertner

The award-winning shot shows two widowed Fairy penguins appearing to comfort one another in Melbourne, Australia.

Tobias was told that the two penguins had recently lost their partners and often appeared to be comforting each other.

penguins hugging
Credit: Tobias Baumgaertner

"A volunteer approached me and told me that the white one was an elderly lady who had lost her partner and apparently so did the younger male to the left," Mr Baumgaertner wrote on Instagram.

"Since then they meet regularly, comforting each other and standing together for hours watching the dancing lights of the nearby city."

"I have received thousands of messages and comments of how these two little guys have touched and mended broken hearts, brought joy, hope and love into your lives," he added. "It has become a symbol of togetherness and love."

Follow Tobais on Instagram. Buy prints on his website TobiasVisuals.com.