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PICTURE SHOWS: The Gentoo penguin mother chases off the Antarctic Skua that has stolen her egg

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STORY COPY:

Do not mess with a mother - especially a feisty gentoo penguin mother.

Wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein captured the scene as a skua bird stole the penguin's egg in Antarctica on Christmas Eve.

The skua was unable to break the egg, and hadn't gambled on the mother sliding down a slope to rescue her unborn.

Thankfully, by making a bit of a flap, the mum ws able to chase off the cheeky invader.

Wimbledon-based Paul, who guides for Exodus Travels (www.exodus.co.uk), explains: "An Antarctic Skua managed to nab the Gentoo penguin's egg but couldn't break it to make a meal of it.

"The Gentoo porpoised down the slope to confront the thieving bird and was able to chase off the adversary to be reunited with the priceless egg."