Injured King Penguin Found On Buenos Aires Beach Is Returned To The Ocean

Rare King Penguin Rescue and Rehabilitation on Argentinian Coast

A **king penguin**, a species rarely seen so far north, was discovered injured on an **Argentinian beach** south of **Buenos Aires**. Members of the Pinamar Ecological Foundation made the surprising discovery in August. The penguin, closely related to emperor penguins and usually inhabiting subantarctic regions, was found stranded with visible wounds and missing feathers, suggesting a possible **dog attack** incident.

Rescue Efforts by Mundo Marino Foundation

Following this unusual sighting, the **Mundo Marino Foundation** was promptly notified. Rescuers from the foundation transported the injured bird to their specialized **rescue center** for immediate treatment and comprehensive care. To simulate a **king penguin**’s natural subantarctic environment, a custom enclosure was constructed, complete with ice blocks and cooling fans to maintain appropriately low temperatures.

Months of Rehabilitation for Injured Penguin

Juana Caferri, a veterinarian at the **Mundo Marino Foundation**, detailed the extensive **rehabilitation** process required for the king penguin. “Although the injuries healed,” Caferri explained, “the affected areas lacked feather coverage, which prevented the animal from effectively conserving heat in aquatic environments.” She further noted, “Only when down regeneration commenced and feathers fully regrew in those areas could we consider ceasing intensive veterinary care and subsequently releasing the penguin back into its natural habitat, the sea.”

Successful Release Back to the Ocean

The dedicated **veterinary team’s** efforts proved successful. Six months after the bird was initially located on the beach, the **Mundo Marino Foundation** recently released video footage documenting the **king penguin**’s triumphant release. The video shows the penguin cautiously emerging from its enclosure and venturing onto the sands of the Argentinian coastline. Accompanied by staff members from the Foundation, the penguin eventually entered the surf and swam strongly out into the vast ocean.