One of the strangest animals on Earth is the emperor penguin, a
bird that exhibits some remarkable behaviors to help it survive
under the harshest conditions.
One might wish that the penguins would fly away to a warmer area
when the frigid cold of winter strikes the Antarctic each year, but
this bird doesn’t fly at all. Instead, groups of penguins huddle
together on open ice during the long winters. They take turns
moving into the middle of the group to escape the worst of the
chill winds and to warm up just a little.
Females lay a single egg and quickly abandon it, leaving the
males to care for the egg while the females go hunting. For up to
two months, the males will balance the egg on their feet, keeping
the egg warm in a feathery “brood pouch.” During this time, the
males will eat nothing while the females travel many miles to the
sea to gorge themselves on fish, squid and krill. When the females
return, they are ready to feed their newborn chicks some of this
partially digested food, while the males are free to go and find
food for themselves.
While these unusual birds can’t fly, their skills under water
are quite amazing — and amusing. Their unique physiology allows
them to dive much deeper than any other water bird, stay under
water for more than 20 minutes, and eventually zoom back to the
surface at an incredible rate, as shown in the first video on this
page.
More than 1,700 people bid farewell to Happy Feet Sunday as
officials at the Wellington Zoo made final preparations for his
send-off today. The emperor penguin was visible in a glassed area.
Nick Perry of
The Association Press does a nice job with the story. AP’s Ed
Donahue narrated the video below.
Happy Feet is now on his way. Follow the
map to track his journey.
—–
Happy Feet, the emperor penguin who strayed far from home and
ended up in New Zealand, will be released back into the wild on
Monday. Remarkably, this single bird has captured the hearts of
people worldwide.
If you have clicked on my “Recent Comments” in the right column,
you have followed this penguin’s recovery at Wellington Zoo since
my
first posting in Water Ways back in June. (Updates are added
onto the top.)
Gareth Morgan, who is helping to finance a tracking project for
Happy Feet, has created an online farewell card for people to sign.
Comments are coming in from throughout the world.
If you feel inclined, please gather your thoughts and add them
to the card, which can be found on the Our Far
South website. You can also read the hundreds of messages
coming together by clicking on “Read
other messages.” Some of my favorites:
Oh Happy Feet – you have brightened every day as we have
watched you from halfway around the world. Your recovery became a
symbol for us of hope, and humanity’s will to help and love all
creatures here on Earth. I am so sad we won’t see your joyful soul
every day via webcam, but my spirit is happy that you will return
to the glorious freedom of the wild, and will think of you often
with fondness.From Sarah Gledhill – Toronto,
Canada
I hope we have all learned to love the seas a little more
after watching you my friend. You have encouraged me to to as much
as I can to keep the earth clean for all the animals. I wish you a
wonderful life and be sure to tell all of the other penguins of
your adventure with us. From Nancy Tibke – Kent,
Washington. USA
Farewell beautiful pengie … you have made me smile and my
heart glad. I hope you find a lovely family to enjoy your life with
and get to eat lots of yummy fish.From jenny sparks
– Christchurch
Sand is grey, snow is white, remember this, and swim right.
Take care, Happy Feet. New Zealand loves you. From
Dody – Wellington
Thank you Happy Feet. I love you and miss you so… Have a
nice trip to home and hope you will enjoy rest of your life with
family and friends! From Sachie Takayose – Tokyo,
Japan
It’s amazing how one little penguin has so many people
around the world pulling for him! Be well, our little friend. From Michele – United States
Be safe, Happy Feet! I hope that all of you (and not just
your feet!) are happy that you will be on your way home soon. I’ll
miss watching you from my computer at work while I’m supposed to be
working. Be careful, be safe, and know that you are loved and
missed!From Melissa – York, South Carolina,
USA
Sweet Happy Feet…you will do just fine…don’t be afraid..you
will find your freinds very soon. Just keep swimming south and
don’t turn around! God will send his angels to guide you all the
way. Bless you…From Barbara –
Houston,Texas
Dear Happy feet I feel very sad that you are leaving.You are
my favourite peguin in the whole wide world :o)From
Cara Harris – Whitby
Dear Happy Feet, It’s been a privilege having you visit us.
You have been a great ambassador for making people more aware of
the plight of The Antarctic. Travel safely and live a long and
happy life. Please don’t get lost again. You may not be so lucky
next time. Lots of penguin hugs and flipper slaps.Jo,
Bill & Hannah Turnbull, Gisborne , NZ
Hey buddy, sorry about that GPS ankle bracelet. Like they
say, come on vacation, leave on probation! Keep your beak clean and
you’ll be out of having to wear it in no time. Glad you are getting
to go home. Next time, stop and ask for directions! From Jeff – Birmingham, AL USA
Goodbye Mate! Swim safe and please tell your fellas that
humans are not so bad as they seem and that, if they want, they can
keep this world amazing as it is..I wish you love and a long and
happy life and thanks to have reminded us that we have humanity
within us still. From Francesco Loretucci –
Prestwick, Scotland
I love you Happy Feet! Even though I will miss seeing you
everyday….knowing you will be heading to YOUR home makes me even
happier. XOXO.From Rochelle – Matawan
Dear Happy Feet I am so glad you are well enough to return
South to meet up with your fellow Emperor penguin buddies. Like
millions of other you’ve captured my heart but all we want for you
is to be safe and happy and back home but will miss you. Am so glad
Dr Lisa will be on board “Tangaroa” anxiously watching over you
until she says her goodbye’s and please do give her hug before you
leave. BonFrom Pat Browne – Port Elizabeth, South
Africa
Oh dear Sir Happy Feet, you are going to be so missed by us.
I have spent so much time just looking at you bobbing, twisting,
spreading flippers, wiggling your little tail and seeing you go out
the door was like my baby had walked for the first time. You be a
good boy and take care of yourself and do not ever forget how much
we love you. From Aileen Keery – Auckland, New
Zealand
To the folks at the Wellington Zoo: Hope you realize that
all these messages are really for you. You have not only saved a
penguin, you have brightened the lives of countless people around
the globe. Thank you & God bless you all.From
Gaynor Sorrell – Fairfax Station, VA
God speed Happy Feet! You were found up the beach from my
home in Raumati, yet as you, I to am far North from home in Canada.
I also find myself prepairing to return south to my home just as
you are . I believe if you understood the journey you are about to
embark on was back to your home, you’d be filled with excitement &
gratitude, as am I. You’ll be fine I’m sure! You’ve prooved your a
fighter! From Vickie – Raumati NZ – Vancouver
Canada
