Zavodovski Island, Volcanic island in South Sandwich Islands, South Atlantic Ocean.
Zavodovski Island is a diamond-shaped volcanic island in the South Sandwich Islands with Mount Curry rising to 551 meters as its dominant feature. The coastline is marked by steep cliffs and active volcanic formations that shape its rugged landscape.
Russian explorer Thaddeus von Bellingshausen discovered this island in December 1819 while noting strong volcanic odors wafting from its slopes. His expedition documented the massive penguin colonies already thriving on its shores.
The island functions as a protected marine research site under British administration, though Argentina maintains territorial claims over the South Sandwich archipelago.
Visits require specialized vessels capable of navigating treacherous waters, with landings restricted mainly to scientific missions. The rough sea conditions and remote location make unplanned visits virtually impossible.
The island hosts between 600,000 and 1 million chinstrap penguins, making it home to the world's largest breeding colony of this species. This massive population often surprises visitors given the extreme and desolate conditions of the place.
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