Rough conditions delay Happy Feet release

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Sat, 03 Sep 2011 2:30p.m.

Homebound emperor penguin Happy Feet will not be released today as hoped.

Winds have died down from 80 to 50 knots and the swell remains at eight metres.

Businessman Gareth Morgan, one of Happy Feet’s main supporters since he turned up lost at Peka Peka Beach, says the NIWA crew taking the penguin south for release are suffering through a lurching boat.

“It’s just too dangerous to release him with the boat lurching around.”

The NIWA vessel is also “100 miles short of the drop off point”.

While the crew might be a bit green around the gills, Happy Feet is not fazed is and enjoying his fresh food and ice.

His adjustable cage adapts to the ship rolling around.

Mr Morgan says the weather has been like this for two days now, and while they are unsure of what the weather will do tomorrow, the crew is aiming for a release Happy Feet then.

Click on the video tab to watch footage of the rough seas Tangaroa is sailing in

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Comments

06 Sep 2011 11:31a.m.

k wrote:

I am with Phred. More airtime has been spent on this bird than any other I know of. Please don't swim back to NZ! If this is your most beautiful memory of the year than I feel sorry for you.

04 Sep 2011 12:34a.m.

R wrote:

Go Happy Feet!! Luv that little guy... hope he gets home safely

03 Sep 2011 10:19p.m.

Phred wrote:

And how many extra tax-payer dollars is this going to cost. For God's sake, the bird was born to this weather. Throw the damn thing overboard !!!!! It's a bloody PENGUIN !!

03 Sep 2011 08:43p.m.

Sorin wrote:

It looks that on campbell islands are plenty of sea lions...so this very well fed penguin ( 28 kg now ) will be a delicacy for them...his brothers must be thin now ..after a long winter...but lets hope he will manage to survive. An average imperial lives around 19..20 years ..so its long time ahead..
Even if he will be fine...we'll lose any track of him..in 2..3 months...after the tracker drops off...and we'l remain only with beautiful memory..the best from this year..

SO...good luck Happy Feet ..we'll never forget you....and who knows..maybe come back next year....take care at the sea lions and orcas...and ..be HAPPY...

03 Sep 2011 05:34p.m.

Hans wrote:

Thanks for the video update. Happy Feet will be fine under the good care of Dr. Lisa Agilla and the crew. Since Lisa is not used to rough seas, it must be a struggle for her. I have experienced similar conditions in the North Atlantic. It is not pleasant until one gets used to it. Best wishes for calmer seas and a successful completion of the mission to all.

03 Sep 2011 03:23p.m.

Eileen Randall wrote:

Oh! Now he is to be released I am nervous for him! So hope he makes it now he is better! We will miss him!!