The Australian government said on Friday that the first emperor penguin discovered in the country has been released following 20 days under the care of a wildlife specialist.
According to the state’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the bird, known by its caretaker as Gus, was released from a boat off the southern coast of Western Australia on Wednesday morning.
It stated in a statement that it was urgent to get it back into the ocean so it could self-thermoregulate because warmer weather was approaching.
Under the care of seabird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph and her husband, a veterinarian, the bird, which was underweight when discovered on a well-known tourist beach on November 1, gained more than seven pounds.
According to the statement, the Antarctic bird, which was discovered thousands of miles away from its home range and in a foreign environment, has a chance of surviving thanks to their care and attention.
At first, the penguin weighed about 50 pounds, which is only about half of what a healthy male would weigh. The bird’s height is around three feet, three inches. Scientists have not been able to confirm its gender.
Just before the penguin was released, Biddulph remarked, “It’s so exciting to be part of the bird’s journey right from the rescue, right to the release.” It’s truly something very unique.
In order to help the malnourished penguin eat whole fish, Biddulph initially gave it fluids and then slurry. To make up for its lack of friends, the bird was also given a mirror.
Gus, good luck. When the penguin dove into the ocean and swam away from the ship, Biddulph grinned and shouted. Gus, just keep heading south. Never pause for anyone.
How the bird made its way from its cold Antarctic birthplace to Australia is still a mystery.
With an average height of 3 feet 7 inches, emperor penguins are the largest of all penguins. On foraging excursions that can last up to a month, they have been known to cover nearly 1,000 km.
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