Penguins found 30km from 'escape' site

The 6-year-old penguin was found near Shinmaiko Marine Park in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture.

KYODO SCREENSHOT

A penguin that escaped from a display on a central Japanese island has been recaptured about 30 kilometers away after two weeks of wandering, Kyodo reported on September 11.

The six-year-old female African penguin was found in good health on September 8, after escaping on August 25 at an event held on Himaka Island in Aichi Prefecture.

Bred in captivity and never having swum in the open sea, the penguin is believed to have swum dozens of kilometers along the west coast of the Chita Peninsula, according to the Gekidan Penters group that organized the event.

"I was amazed by the penguin's physical abilities and adaptability. We were relieved to find it," said team member Ryosuke Imai.

Gekidan Penters held the event on Himaka Island from July 20 to August 25. The group often offers lectures and events in Aichi Prefecture that allow people to interact with animals.

The penguin escaped after being placed in shallow water surrounded by a net as staff tried to keep it cool in the hot sun. It appears to have swum through a hole after being frightened.

One person reported seeing the animal about a week later around nearby Shino Island, but a search proved fruitless.

The penguin was discovered near Shinmaiko Marine Park in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. The Gekidan Penters group said it approached its staff when its name was called.

African penguins are found off the coast of South Africa and Namibia. They feed on fish such as anchovies and squid. They can grow up to 70 cm long.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chim-canh-cut-duoc-tim-thay-cach-noi-tau-thoat-den-30-km-1852409111549409.htm