South Georgia is situated about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles)east-southeast of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and about 2,700kilometers (1,700 miles) east of the southern tip of South America. It is partof a British Overseas Territory known as South Georgia and the South SandwichIslands. South Georgia is an incredibly mountainous island, with its highestpeak, Mount Paget, reaching 2,934 meters (9,626 feet) in elevation. The islandis known for its rugged and glaciated terrain, with numerous fjords and baysalong its coastline and is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Itserves as a breeding ground for millions of seabirds, including albatrosses,petrels, and penguins. The island is famous for its large colonies of kingpenguins. It is also home to various seals, such as elephant seals and furseals. South Georgia has a rich history of exploration and whaling. It wasdiscovered by Captain James Cook in 1775.  Visitors can explore theisland's stunning landscapes, visit old whaling stations, and observe theabundant wildlife. However, access to certain areas may be restricted toprotect the fragile ecosystem. South Georgia is a designated wildlife sanctuaryand is protected by strict conservation measures. The South Georgia and SouthSandwich Islands Marine Protected Area was established in 2012 to safeguard thesurrounding waters and marine life.