Nearly seven thousand penguins have returned to Galindez Island, home to the Ukrainian polar station «Academician Vernadsky». This was reported by the National Antarctic Scientific Center on Facebook. 
Researchers noted that these are sub-Antarctic penguins, which spend their breeding season on the island from spring to autumn.
«The first large groups began to arrive in August, but when the ice covered the island, it became empty. By September, there were about 5,500 penguins present, but they vanished twice during the month», - said biologist Zoya Shvidka from the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition. 
According to her, October counts show a stable presence of these birds on Galindez. Even when many go out into the ocean to feed, a significant number remain on the island. So we can finally say they have returned.
The scientist noted that around four thousand penguins are concentrated at the far end of Galindez, while another three thousand are lined up in a narrow strip along the shore from Penguin Point to the building of the «Academician Vernadsky» station.
Currently, the penguins are mating and building nests where possible, and of course, fights break out over the best spots and stones.
«Some nests are still under snow, and their owners amusingly peck at the snow around in search of stones», - the biologist shared, adding that soon the penguins will start laying eggs and raising chicks.