MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An emperor penguin was discovered in a weak and malnourished state on a beach in Denmark, Australia, far away from its native Antarctic habitat. A wildlife expert is currently caring for the penguin, according to a statement released by the government department on Monday.
The adult male penguin was found on November 1 at a well-known tourist destination, located approximately 3,500 kilometers (about 2,200 miles) north of the frigid waters surrounding Antarctica. This remarkable sighting was reported by the Western Australia state’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Research fellow Belinda Cannell from the University of Western Australia noted that this is the first instance of an emperor penguin being spotted in Australia. While some have made it to nearby New Zealand, this particular journey marked a significant anomaly. Cannell expressed uncertainty about why the penguin traveled such a vast distance.
In the rehabilitation process, expert Carol Biddulph is assisting the penguin by spraying him with mist from chilled water, helping him adjust to the warmer climate. The penguin, measuring about 1 meter (39 inches) tall, was discovered weighing only 23 kilograms (51 pounds), while a healthy adult can weigh over 45 kilograms (100 pounds).
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is concentrating on rehabilitating the penguin. When asked about the possibility of returning the penguin to Antarctica, the department stated that “options are still being worked through.”
