Emperor penguin far from home undergoing rehabilitation by local seabird rescuer

A malnourished emperor penguin that washed up on Denmark’s Ocean Beach earlier this month is on the mend thanks to the care of a local seabird rehabilitator in the Great Southern.

At one metre tall and weighing 32 kilograms, the penguin arrived on Australian shores on November 1, thousands of kilometres from home, and in an unfamiliar climate.

Local wildlife and seabird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph is supported by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions as well as expert advice from her local vet and Dr Belinda Cannell from the University of Western Australia.

Ms Biddulph has previously cared for rockhopper and fairy penguins at her Great Southern home, where she has a dedicated penguin enclosure for the local penguin population.

After responding to a beachgoer’s sighting, Ms Biddulph managed to get the Antarctic bird into a pet carrier and into her car before taking it home.

“The bird’s sort of turned at an angle and I could see its backbone protruding and I thought this bird is well undernourished, so that was a real consideration for bringing it in,” she said.

“Between the condition of the bird and the activity that might have happened on the beach the following day, I thought it was best to bring the bird in.”

Ms Biddulph said she never imagined she would ever be caring for an emperor penguin.

“Never in my wildest thought would I thought I’d ever have an emperor penguin to care for,” she said.

“It’s just, it’s just amazing.

“It’s just such a privilege to be part of this bird’s journey.”

Sick or injured wildlife can be reported to the Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055.