Avian flu has been wreaking havoc on seal populations in the sub-Antarctic region, and there are fears that penguins could be the next victims of this rapidly spreading outbreak. Photographer Edwin Lee, on assignment in Antarctica, has captured the devastating impact of the disease through a series of chilling images.

In November 2023, Lee was commissioned to film promotional material for luxury Antarctica cruises, which have seen a surge in popularity due to the trend of ‘revenge travel’ following the pandemic. As Lee journeyed from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia, the news of the progression of H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian flu strain, began to unfold.

Originating in Hong Kong in 1997, H5N1 has a history of causing outbreaks and fatalities in both poultry and humans. As the virus made its way into the sub-Antarctic region, concerns grew among crew and passengers aboard the cruise ship. South Georgia, a designated Marine Protected Area, is home to diverse wildlife and lacks a permanent human population.

Despite the apprehension, the cruise voyage allowed for landings on shores using military-standard speedboats called ‘Zodiacs,’ providing passengers with the opportunity to observe wildlife up close. However, the ability to land depended on daily rules set by the South Georgian government and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

Lee’s poignant photographs serve as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of the avian flu outbreak, shedding light on the vulnerability of Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem and its inhabitants. As the crisis unfolds, the global community is called upon to take positive action to address the pressing threat of mass extinction in the region.