The thrill of the chase: Amazing photos of the moment pod of killer whales hunts down penguin and drags it to a watery grave
These stunning photos show the life-or-death chase between a defenceless penguin and a pod of giant killer whales.
The Gentoo desperately tried to escape the clutches of the predator, but failed to avoid a grisly fate despite its best efforts.
But in an interesting twist, when the whales finally captured the bird, the only part of its meat which they are was the breast - suggesting they may have similar tastes to picky human diners.
Hunting: A pod of Gerlache killer whales in Antarctica on the lookout for prey such as seals or penguins
Threatening: The vicious animals hunt in packs, increasing their efficiency and reducing the chances that their prey will escape
A young whale initially snatched the Gentoo penguin in its powerful jaws and pulled it under the water - only to let it go again.
The 'game' then continued with the flapping bird being repeatedly thrown and shook by other members of the pod until it disappeared under the water for a final time.
Photographer Justin Hofman, from California, said: 'We encountered a pod of about 10-15 animals moving very fast and changing direction frequently.
'Once we got closer, we could see that they were chasing penguins.
Unlucky: This Gentoo penguin finds himself drawing attention from the unstoppable predators
Closing in: The small bird does not appear to have much of a chance in the face of such threatening odds
Diverse diet: Some killer whales like sticking to seals, but others are partial to a bit of penguin meat too
'They were obviously playing a bit with the penguin because they would frequently hold the penguin in their mouth, then let it go.
'There was a smaller killer whale, probably just a few years old which eventually dispatched the penguin.
'There was no blood or gore. The penguin just never surfaced.
Bearing down: The members of the pod each go after the penguin in turn before going for the kill
Toying: The whale repeatedly catches the penguin then lets it go again before starting the process all over again
Got him! The Gentoo is pulled underwater by the whales and never seen again
'The amazing part is that they butcher the penguin very precisely, only taking the breast meat and nothing else.
'It's obvious that these animals know how to handle a penguin and I suspect they truly enjoy the chase.'
He captured the hunt at the Gerlache Strait on the Antarctic Peninsula, where killer whales are known to occasionally prey on penguins.
Environment: The Antarctic pictures were taken by Californian photographer Justin Hofman
Deadly: The killer whale is one of the most dangerous predators found in the Antarctic
Increasing numbers of DNA studies are showing distinct sub-groups of killer whales around the world.
Scientists have also observed that while some killer whales tend to hunt seals, others feed more on fish and the occasional penguin.