Gus, the emperor penguin, returned to the wild after the Australian rescue and recovery

In a heart-warming end to an extraordinary journey, Gus the emperor penguin has been released back into the wild off the south coast of Western Australia. After 20 days of recovery in the care of local wildlife experts, Gus was returned to the ocean from a Parks and Wildlife Service vessel in the hope that he will find his way back to his Antarctic homeland.

Gus’ incredible story began when he was first spotted by surfer Aaron Fowler near Denmark, about 400 kilometers south of Perth, on November 1. Initially mistaken for a large seabird, Gus amazed onlookers as he waddled to shore. “There was a big bird in the water, and we thought it was another seabird, but then it got closer and closer to shore – and it was way too big – and it just got up and waddled right over to us,” Fowler told the Albany Advertiser. Fowler speculated that the penguin, who showed unusual comfort with humans, might have mistaken the surfers in their wetsuits for fellow penguins.

At the time of his discovery, Gus was severely malnourished and weighed only 51 pounds, far less than the typical 100-pound weight of an adult male emperor penguin. He was quickly taken into the care of Carol Biddulph, a registered wildlife rescuer with the Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. “Never in my wildest thoughts did I think I would one day have an emperor penguin to care for,” Biddulph told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. “It’s just amazing. It’s such a privilege to be part of this bird’s journey.”

Under Biddulph’s care, Gus gained almost eight pounds and regained his strength. On Wednesday morning, the Parks and Wildlife Service secured Gus’ safe return to the wild, where he will hopefully navigate back to Antarctica, traveling the great distances that emperor penguins are known for on their foraging trips.