Gus, the emperor penguin who made headlines after traveling 3,000 kilometers from Antarctica to Australia, has now begun his journey back home. After spending 20 days in Western Australia, Gus was released back into the Southern Ocean, where he can continue his natural journey.
On November 1, Gus arrived at Ocean Beach in Denmark, WA. Normally, emperor penguins travel up to 1,600 kilometers while foraging, so Gus’s long journey to Australia was unexpected. His arrival caught the attention of locals and wildlife carers.
Wildlife carers Carole and Graham Biddulph took responsibility for Gus during his 20-day stay. They helped him regain strength, ensuring he was fit for release. Gus gained 3.5 kilograms while under their care and passed necessary health checks.
On Wednesday, Gus was released back into the Southern Ocean. The release was supervised by the Biddulphs, a vet, and a wildlife officer. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) emphasized the need for Gus to return to his natural environment due to rising temperatures. “It was critical to return the penguin to its natural environment,” the DBCA explained. Carole Biddulph added a heartfelt message: “Keep going south, Gus. Don’t stop for anyone.”
Emperor penguins are the largest species of penguins, weighing up to 40 kilograms. They have extraordinary survival skills that allow them to withstand the harsh conditions of the Antarctic. One of their key survival strategies is huddling together in groups. Inside the huddle, the temperature can rise to 24°C, helping them stay warm.
Emperor penguins breed during the Antarctic winter, one of the harshest environments on Earth. Males take on the role of incubating eggs, and after hatching, both parents share responsibility for raising the chicks.
While Gus still has a long journey ahead, his careers are confident that he will succeed. Carole Biddulph expressed her belief in Gus’s abilities, calling him “a bird in a million.” Gus’s journey highlights not only his resilience but also the commitment of those who cared for him along the way.
