Sabrina Island (Antarctica) facts for kids
![]() Sabrina Island monolith
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Location in Antarctica
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Geography | |
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Location | Antarctica |
Coordinates | 66°57′S 163°17′E / 66.950°S 163.283°E |
Archipelago | Balleny Islands |
Administration | |
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
Demographics | |
Population | Uninhabited |
Sabrina Island is a small piece of land in the cold, icy region of Antarctica. It is the largest of three tiny islands located about 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) south of Buckle Island. These islands are part of a group called the Balleny Islands. Sabrina Island is also part of New Zealand's Ross Dependency, which is an area New Zealand claims in Antarctica.
Discovering Sabrina Island
Sabrina Island was first seen in 1839. A group of ships led by John Balleny found the Balleny Islands. John Balleny named Sabrina Island after a small boat called "Sabrina." This boat belonged to one of his crew members, Thomas Freeman.
Off the southern tip of Sabrina Island are two smaller islets. These islets are known as The Monolith. In 1949, a group of explorers from the Fifth French Antarctic Expedition visited Sabrina Island. They landed there on March 3, 1949, but could only stay for a few hours.
Amazing Animals of Sabrina Island
Sabrina Island is very important for its environment and science. It is a great example of the Balleny Islands, which are the only island group located within the main Antarctic Coastal Current. This current is a big ocean stream that flows along the coast of Antarctica.
The island is a special place where many birds come to have their babies. These birds include:
Because of its importance for wildlife, Sabrina Island is a protected area. It is called Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) No. 104. This protection is part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which helps keep Antarctica safe and peaceful for scientific research.
See also
- List of Antarctic and subantarctic islands