Gus, an emperor penguin who gained global attention after straying approximately 3,000 km from Antarctica to the West Australian coastline, has been released back into the Southern Ocean to begin his epic journey home.
The penguin’s unexpected arrival on Ocean Beach, Denmark, on November 1 left locals astonished, as emperor penguins typically venture up to 1,600 km on foraging trips to hunt fish, squid, and krill.
Gus’s extraordinary stopover lasted 20 days, during which he was cared for by local wildlife carers Carole and Graham Biddulph.
After passing multiple veterinary health checks and gaining 3.5 kg under the care of the Biddulphs, Gus was released into the ocean off the WA coast on Wednesday. The release was overseen by the Biddulphs, a wildlife officer, and a veterinarian.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA) of Western Australia announced Gus’s release in a Facebook post, bidding farewell to the “royal overseas guest.”
“With warmer weather approaching, it was essential to return Gus to his natural environment, where he can thrive and regulate his body temperature,” the DBCA said. The department commended the carers for their dedication, which ensured Gus was ready to resume his incredible journey south. “Keep going south, Gus,” said Carol Biddulph in a video shared by the DBCA. “Don’t stop for anyone.”
Emperor penguins, the largest of their species, can weigh up to 40 kg and are uniquely adapted to survive the harsh Antarctic climate. Their thick feather layers, body fat reserves, and specialized feet equipped with anti-freezing fats and ice-gripping claws make them well-suited for extreme conditions.
These social creatures huddle in groups to stay warm, with temperatures inside the huddle reaching up to 24°C. The Australian Antarctic Program describes their cooperative behavior as an extraordinary survival strategy, with penguins rotating positions between the colder outer edge and the warm center of the group.
Listed as “near threatened,” emperor penguins are the only species to breed during the Antarctic winter, enduring some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet. Males take charge of incubation while parents share responsibilities once the chicks hatch.
As Gus embarks on his challenging journey back to Antarctica, his caregivers remain optimistic. “He’s got a long journey home,” said Carole Biddulph. “But I’ve every confidence he’s going to make it. He’s a bird in a million. He’s fantastic.”