Emperor Penguin with Navigation issues?
There may be umpteen theories as to why a young Antarctic Emperor penguin has mistakenly (or so we are led to believe) travelled too far north ending up stranded on one of New Zealand’s numerous beaches.
Conservationists reckon the 80cm high penguin is just 10 months old so the 2000-mile journey is quite an achievement for a ‘toddler’
Emperor Penguins spend their entire lives in Antarctica and almost never land anywhere near people in fact it is 44 years since a wild Emperor penguin was last spotted in New Zealand.

Quite a stir
It is thought that it took to the water several months ago to search for squid and krill and lost its way but it is creating quite a stir in the North Island as people flock to watch, photograph and film it.
He or she (no one can tell right now) is taking its celebrity status in its stride and appears undisturbed by all the attention but for how long will the little chap be happy being ‘the only Emperor on the beach’?

Unless this really is Dudley!
For the benefit of those who may not have read the delightful Jez Alborough children’s book ‘Cuddly Dudley’, the story tells of a penguin, fond of his own space who simply wants to be alone and not constantly smothered by cuddles from his friends.
He sets off in search of solitude but alas finally returns to the company of the other somewhat annoying penguins.

Experts are saying that our ‘Dudley’ will need to return to the Antarctic if he is to survive but maybe he really does just want to be alone? Residents in the area hope he will stay and I’m sure he’ll be adopted and pampered by locals and tourists alike; and if he doesn’t like it he can always return to his home.

Ride home?
I did expect that conservationists would have intervened and ‘repatriated’ young Dudley but as he may have contracted diseases in the warmer northern waters it would be irresponsible to introduce unfamiliar viruses into the insulated Antarctic colony. Plus there are transport issues at this time of year – its not exactly a busy route! Then there’s the logistics of keeping him cool and healthy; New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has therefore stated that nature will be allowed to take its course.

In the Meantime
Wildlife officials say the penguin has been eating wet sand which he has probably mistaken for snow – somehow I doubt that a penguin clever enough to navigate its way 2000 miles may also be able to tell the difference between yellow gritty stuff and cold white fluffy water!
During the day Dudley has been resting on the beach but by night he takes to the sea

Finally
Christine Wilton who found the penguin whilst walking her dog simply said
"It looks really grand when it stands up," she said. "I hope it stays safe, I really do, because it is just too precious...................."