By Jerram Watts
Wellington Zoo staff say it is hoped Happy Feet will be sent home in late August – logistics are all that stand in the way now.
“He’s making really good progress; he’s put on a lot of weight, his body condition is really good,” says Wellington Zoo veterinary science manager Lisa Argilla.
“Before, when he was having all these procedures, you could actually see his spine, you could see his pelvis, now he’s got a really nice thick layer of fat, which is perfect so that means he will have a good chance of surviving in those icy cold waters.”
The Zoo and Department of Conservation are looking at a number of options to get Happy Feet to Invercargill – by air or refrigerated truck – where he will be taken by boat to sub-Antarctic waters and released for the 3000km swim home.
The viewing area outside the Nest operating room was packed with children and parents throughout the procedure – after spending weeks in Wellington, the little penguin has certainly maintained his allure, and will be missed by fans and staff alike.
“We are a little bit attached, but it’s one of the most rewarding things that we find in our job… is when we are actually able to release the animals into the wild,” says Dr Argilla.
“It’ll be sad but it will be very, very rewarding and exciting and make all the hard work pay off.”
Click on the video tab to watch extended footage of today’s check-up
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