An Antarctic emperor penguin (the world’s largest penguin) from Antarctica made an unexpected appearance on Ocean Beach in Denmark, Western Australia (2,175 miles from home). The visibly malnourished when it made landfall, the penguin was taken to a local wildlife rehabilitation center where it is recovering after its long journey. Rehabilitation is expected to take several weeks.
Unusual ocean currents may have led the penguin to Australian shores. Surprised beachgoers described the penguin as “massive” and much bigger than typical seabirds. The penguin attempted to slide on the sand, likely confusing it with snow, a habit typical of Antarctic penguins.