In Australia, they discovered a giant penguin that lives only in Antarctica – Earth – Science and technology

A giant penguin was discovered in Australia for the first time. The malnourished animal was found on a beach popular with tourists in the southwest of the country. The AP agency writes about it.

In this undated photo provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, a giant penguin, nicknamed Gus, poses after being discovered on a beach near Denmark, Australia, on Nov. 1, 2024, thousands of kilometers from its normal habitat in Antarctica.

An adult male was discovered on November 1 on the beach near the Denmark tourist center. The city lies approximately 3,500 kilometers north of the Antarctic coast, according to Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

This is the first ever occurrence of the largest penguin species in Australia, said Belinda Cannell from the University of Western Australia. A few giant penguins have been recorded in New Zealand in the past.

According to Cannelova, the method and reason for the appearance of the penguin in Australia is not known. The animal is currently being cared for by conservationist Carol Biddulph, who cools it by spraying it with water.

According to the ministry, the priority is now to rehabilitate the animal. Possibilities of its return to the natural Antarctic environment are under investigation, the ministry added.

enlarge Photo: TASR/AP, DBCA

Australia, giant penguin In this undated photo provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, a giant penguin, nicknamed Gus, poses after being discovered on a beach near Denmark, Australia, on Nov. 1, 2024, thousands of kilometers from its normal habitat in Antarctica.

The emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), also known as the giant penguin, is the largest species of penguin. In adulthood, it reaches a height of 110 to 122 centimeters and a weight of 22 to 45 kilograms. It occurs exclusively in Antarctica, where it is the only bird that winters. Its coloring resembles a king penguin, but it weighs more than twice as much.

The city of Denmark is located on the southern coast of Australia in a mild climate. According to data from 2016, it has approximately 2,560 inhabitants, but during the tourist season, their number increases several times. The river of the same name, on which the town lies, was named in 1829 by naval doctor Thomas Braidwood Wilson after his mentor, naval doctor Alexander Denmark, and has no connection with Denmark. The river is called Kwoorabup in the Aboriginal language.