If we travel way down to the Indian Ocean between Antarctica and Australia, we can find a lovely gathering of rocks that make up Penguin Island.  Set as part of the Mud Islands at the entrance to Port Phillips Bay, these two Fairy Penguins regularly meet to take in the city lights of Melbourne, Australia.  Like diamonds thrown across a black velvet mantle this night time display is often enjoyed by the two friends.

Each Penguin Friend has come from a different family.  They have been tracked for years by scientists to learn more about the lives of the Penguins of Antarctica. These two fairy Penguins, one much older than the other, had lost their forever friends or mates during the previous three years.  Penguins never take on another mate, remaining loyal to the first one they had chosen. Somehow these two, after having lost their own mates, have met regularly to come together as pals to keep each other company and to enjoy the night lights of Melbourne together.

This award winning photo shows us that the warm friendship of company and common interests can bring us a soft feeling of hope and safety that all will be OK.

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You only need to look at our natural world to learn from its lessons of adaptation and survival that anyone can be kind to another and to enjoy the beauty our planet displays for us.