Record-Breaking Penguin Swims To Australia
Photo Credit: Miles Brotherson via DBCA
An emperor penguin was found on a western beach in Denmark, Australia on Nov. 1. This location is much further north than the species is usually spotted, as penguins are typically only found in the Southern Hemisphere on Antarctica or sub-Antarctic islands. After being rehabilitated, the penguin was released by Australian Wildlife officials 20 days later.
The penguin was discovered waddling on the sandy shores by surfer Aaron Fowler. Fowler and his kids interacted with the unusual seabird before contacting authorities. According to Fowler, the penguin was very confused, especially after trying to slide its belly on the sand.
The penguin was friendly and unfazed by humans, which is likely due to emperor penguins’ lack of natural predators in their native habitat, and resulting lack of fear.
Soon after, the large bird was escorted into the care of local wildlife rehabilitator Carol Biddulph. The penguin was named Gus, after the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. Biddulph diagnosed Gus with malnutrition, as he was only 23 kg, whereas a healthy emperor penguin is typically 45 kg.
The temperature above 20 degrees Celsius also didn’t help Gus, since Antarctic temperatures typically fluctuate around –40 degrees celsius. During the tropical stay, Biddulph made sure to keep Gus well fed and misted him with icy cold water. Gus gained a total of 3.5 kg during the 20 day period.
Gus was released back into the ocean on Nov. 21. Transportation back to Antarctica was considered, but was deemed too stressful for the bird. The release gave Biddulph the chance to reflect on the situation. “Never in my wildest thoughts would I thought I’d ever have an emperor penguin to care for,” she said in a video.
According to CBC News, Gus swam more than 3,500 km from Antarctica to Australia. For comparison, that's more than the distance from Vancouver to Mexico. The farthest any other emperor penguin has been known to swim is 1,600 km, according to the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions.
Gus’ marathon swim was likely because he followed a current in search of food, says biologist Dee Boersma. Growing juvenile penguins need food, even if getting it requires swimming for nearly 2 weeks.
This unusual odyssey is a poignant reminder that the species is becoming endangered. According to the World Wildlife Fund, emperor penguins are considered near-threatened. While the population is considered semi-stable, it’s likely to soon become unstable. An entire emperor penguin colony that once roamed the Antarctic Peninsula has now already completely vanished.