Ice Penguins was an engaging display of one of the icons of a changing world. These frozen counterparts of the seabirds that have captured the attention of concerned global citizens were placed in a public square in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to alert people to global warming. Scientists have estimated that the population of Antarctic emperor penguins has declined by 50 percent over the past 50 years. Increased air and sea temperatures have reduced Antarctic sea ice resulting in reduced population in krill, one of the emperor penguin’s primary food sources. While ecosystem health factors many variables, a warming climate is the primary cause for the decline of this species. The Ice Penguins of Sao Paulo evoke this scenario in a tangible setting. Quietly posed with the endearing mannerisms of emperor penguins, these small portents of global climate cause and effect make the plight of the Antarctic emperor penguin clear – as their habitat warms they will disappear.
This short animation is a zany version of the classic fairy tale, with the leading role played by a mistreated, romantic penguin, with hilarious results. Cinderella Penguin loses her magic flipper as she runs to meet her midnight deadline, but all ends well when Prince Charming finds the right webbed foot and the nasty step-family is brought to heel. A 1981 Oscar nominee.
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