Predator Vs Prey *Warning NSFW*

Everyone loves to have the impression that nature is this beautiful thing full of rainbows, peace and tranquility, which is true mostly for when we spend our time there. However, when you start to look and pay attention to certain details you become very aware very quickly that it is a tough and dangerous place for those animals that call it home and we love to admire.

This moment was one on South Georgia Island. I heard over the radio from some colleagues that there was a Southern Giant Petrel attacking a King Penguin chick. Excited to see such a sight, I rushed over in my zodiac to check it out. I was not disappointed... what happened was a little too much to watch.. even for me.

Somehow, the King Penguin found itself in the water without its adult/waterproof plumage and the Giant Petrel knew this and decided to capitalize on this chick's unfortunate circumstance. It wasn't too long before the Giant Petrel was starting to attack and the chance of survival for this chick became very, very improbable.

Sadly, I watched this happen for way too long and it actually made me feel a little sick. That is honestly the first time I have felt that way. This may have to do with the fact that the Giant Petrel was slowly eating this chick alive from its backside (weakest and easiest point to attack), which was a little disturbing. Even more so, was the baby chick was alive for quite sometime trying to swim away, as it slowly got eaten alive.

However, the photos turned out pretty awesome and you can truly see how prehistoric these Southern Giant Petrels appear, which gives you the impression of their unrelenting behaviour when it comes to its prey. Sorry for the gory story and photo! But to be honest, this is how the real natural world works. The Giant Petrel has adorable cute chicks to feed and keep alive too. It just happened to be a bad day for this King Penguin chick...