The Goose That Flies Over Everest

Bar-headed geese are among the world's highest fliers, soaring over the Himalayas during migration. These birds reach altitudes of nearly 30,000 feet, where the air is too thin for most other creatures to survive.

To complete their incredible journey, these geese have evolved unique physiology, including larger lungs and more efficient blood chemistry than typical birds. They regularly fly higher than the cruising altitude of commercial jets while navigating mountain passes. It is truly remarkable that they maintain this level of physical exertion in such oxygen-deprived conditions. They truly prove that life can thrive in even the most extreme environments on our planet.