Traveled 3400 kilometers

Penguin stranded exhausted in Australia

Emperor penguin "Gus" (pictured) has traveled 3400 kilometers from Antarctica to Australia.

(Bild: DBCA/Miles Brotherson)

An emperor penguin has caused a stir in Australia when it suddenly appeared on a beach near Denmark - 3400 kilometers from its home in Antarctica. The bird, christened "Gus", appeared quite lost, according to eyewitnesses.

"He tried to slide on his belly and probably thought it was snow. He landed with his face in the sand, stood up and shook off all the sand," said a local resident. The penguin was not shy and waddled straight towards the man's family. "Gus", as the animal is now known, initially appeared malnourished but is recovering well, according to keeper Carol Biddulph.

"The first thing to do with wild animals is to weigh them. You need to know their weight so you can give them the appropriate fluids and medication." "Gus" weighs about 23 kilograms. Adult males can grow up to 1.40 meters tall and weigh 40 kilograms.

Here you can see a photo of "Gus".

Following the current
Biddulph would never have believed he was looking after an emperor penguin. In fact, never before has a specimen of this species been sighted so far north. Researchers assume that "Gus" followed a current from the Antarctic to the north. When searching for food, the animals tend to follow certain currents where there is a particularly large supply, said Belinda Cannell from the University of Western Australia. It is possible that these currents currently simply have further northern extensions than usual.

Emperor penguins cannot fly. They swim about six to nine kilometers per hour. "It's just incredible. It's a privilege to be part of this bird's journey," said the keeper.