Emperor Penguin's Unusual Journey Lands Him on Australian Beach

Imagine the surprise when a massive emperor penguin, typically found in the icy regions of Antarctica, was spotted on a tourist beach in Denmark, Australia. This is around 3, 500 kilometers north of its usual home. The penguin, a male, was in poor health when discovered on November 1. Belinda Cannell, a research fellow from the University of Western Australia, said this was a first—emperor penguins have never been seen in Australia before. A few have reached New Zealand, but Denmark is far north of the usual range.

The penguin, fondly named Gus, is a tall 1 meter (39 inches) and weighed initially 23 kilograms (51 pounds), which is lighter than a healthy emperor penguin’s average of over 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Sea bird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph is now caring for Gus. She’s using a chilled water mist to help him adapt to the unfamiliar climate. The reason behind Gus’s extraordinary journey remains a mystery. The main goal of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is to rehabilitate Gus. There are no immediate plans to send him back to Antarctica, but options are being explored.

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