Happy Feet (penguin)

{{Short description|Individual emperor penguin}}

{{Featured article}}

{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}

{{Infobox animal

| name = Happy Feet

| image = File:Happy Feet emperor penguin on Peka Peka beach (cropped).jpg

| caption = Happy Feet at Peka Peka Beach on 22 June 2011

| alt = Refer to caption

| species = Emperor penguin

| sex = Male

| known_for = Arriving in New Zealand

| namedafter = Happy Feet (2006 film)

| years_active = 2011

}}{{About|the penguin|other uses|Happy Feet (disambiguation)}}

An emperor penguin named Happy Feet arrived at Peka Peka Beach in the Kāpiti Coast District of New Zealand's North Island in June 2011 after travelling about {{convert|3200|km}} from Antarctica. He is one of the northernmost emperor penguins ever recorded outside of captivity, and the second emperor penguin to be found in New Zealand. After arriving, he ingested sand on the beach, likely mistaking it for snow, and filled his proventriculus with it. He soon became lethargic, dehydrated and overheated and was transported to Wellington Zoo, where he was given a 50 per cent chance of survival. Most of the sand was removed, and he was kept at the zoo for 10 weeks to recover.

Happy Feet was released in the Southern Ocean on 4 September 2011, about {{convert|78|km}} north of Campbell Island, at the 51st parallel. He was fitted with a satellite transmitter to track his location, but the device ceased transmission on 9 September, possibly due to the transmitter falling off him or the penguin being preyed upon.

Named after a 2006 animated film featuring emperor penguins, Happy Feet's arrival and recovery was reported on by more than 600 media outlets worldwide. The event raised the public's awareness of wildlife, and for some time received more media attention than New Zealand prime minister John Key. He was one of Time{{'s}} runner-ups for the 2011 Animal of the Year. He was also the subject of a children's book written by Christine Wilton, who first sighted the penguin at the beach, and another children's book published by Penguin Books in late 2011.

Arrival

File:PekaPekaBeach.jpg in 2004|alt=Happy Feet standing on sand]]

Happy Feet was first sighted in the early afternoon of 20 June 2011 at Paraparaumu Beach, in the Kāpiti Coast District of New Zealand's North Island. A few hours later, he was seen again a few kilometres to the north at Peka Peka Beach by Christine Wilton, a Kāpiti resident walking her dog.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=117}} The bird swam approximately {{convert|3200|km}} from Antarctica to reach New Zealand,{{Cite news |date=23 June 2011 |title=Expert to visit royal penguin visitor |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/expert-to-visit-royal-penguin-visitor/BOBEMKKXJRFDB4FWFI5IK527QY/ |access-date=8 November 2011 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} arriving just a few kilometres south of the northernmost recorded sighting of an emperor penguin, which occurred in Argentina.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}} The reason for his presence so far from his natural habitat is unknown; however, the veterinarian Lisa Argilla has speculated that he may have been unwell or carried off course by an ocean current.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Nicholas |date=25 June 2011 |title=Happy Feet faces battle for survival |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-faces-battle-for-survival/MBG2WYWFYVTOUN6SXPK3CVJVPM/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530220946/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-faces-battle-for-survival/MBG2WYWFYVTOUN6SXPK3CVJVPM/ |archive-date=30 May 2023 |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |agency=NZPA |publisher=NZME}} Another theory was that the penguin was wandering, a behaviour which ecologists believe to have evolved as a way to establish new colonies by chance, despite its high likelihood of resulting in death.{{Cite news |last=Sadleir |first=Richard |date=5 July 2011 |title=Happy Feet may be setting up a colony |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/5232918/happy-feet-may-be-a-pioneer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808152232/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/5232918/Happy-Feet-may-be-a-pioneer |archive-date=8 August 2011 |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} His arrival marked only the second recorded instance of an emperor penguin in New Zealand, the first having been found in 1967 at Southland's Oreti Beach.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}}

After the dog walker sighted Happy Feet at Peka Peka Beach, she notified the Department of Conservation (DOC) Waikanae office and a ranger subsequently inspected the bird,{{Cite news |date=21 June 2011 |title=Royal visitor seen at Kapiti beach |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/royal-visitor-seen-at-kapiti-beach/RMH4T5TUTMZSJNAQDOJN7G6KGE/ |access-date=8 November 2024 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} who initially appeared to be in good health.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} The penguin was first thought to be approximately three years old, but further analysis suggested that he was about 11 months old at the time of his arrival.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}} The penguin had a height of about {{convert|3|ft|0|order=flip}}, and was determined to be male two weeks after his arrival, based on DNA testing of a feather sample.{{Cite news |date=4 July 2011 |title=Happy Feet a male penguin |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/79128/happy-feet-a-male-penguin |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=RNZ}}{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} He was named "Happy Feet" by the woman who first observed him, after the 2006 film Happy Feet,{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}} which features emperor penguins.{{Cite news |date=28 August 2011 |title=It's 'haere ra' to Happy Feet |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/its-haere-ra-to-happy-feet/VOFVACPD2ZCZ4V7WK4AGHYTGQU/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202233655/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/its-haere-ra-to-happy-feet/VOFVACPD2ZCZ4V7WK4AGHYTGQU/ |archive-date=2 December 2024 |access-date=26 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}

As thousands of people viewed Happy Feet at the beach,{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=117}} concerns arose about the potential danger the public posed to the penguin. In response, the Kāpiti Coast District Council closed the beach to vehicles and posted security guards, and locals kept watch over the penguin 24 hours a day.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=117–118}} A cordon was placed around Happy Feet and it was ensured that he had access to the sea at all times.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=119}} DOC co-ordinated this protection effort due to the Wildlife Act 1953, which requires the department to protect self-introduced vagrant birds.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=117}}

At the beach, Happy Feet ingested sand,{{efn|name=wood|Observers stated that the penguin had swallowed large pieces of wood. However, no wood was found during stomach flushing and endoscopy according to a 2012 scientific publication that discussed the measures taken to rehabilitate the penguin. Newspapers instead reported that he had swallowed sticks and netting, and that these items were removed during stomach flushing.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}}}} probably mistaking it for snow, which emperor penguins naturally consume to hydrate and cool themselves.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}}{{Cite news |last=Donnell |first=Hayden |date=24 June 2011 |title=Penguin has 50 per cent chance of survival |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/penguin-has-50-per-cent-chance-of-survival/AUDFEVXURJGM6FQELNKY2HR72I/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203082213/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/penguin-has-50-per-cent-chance-of-survival/AUDFEVXURJGM6FQELNKY2HR72I/ |archive-date=3 February 2023 |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME |agency=NZPA}}{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Kirsty |date=26 June 2011 |title=Happy Feet undergoes second surgery |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/5193196/Happy-Feet-undergoes-second-surgery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826140337/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/5193196/Happy-Feet-undergoes-second-surgery |archive-date=26 August 2011 |access-date=8 November 2011 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} Experts initially chose not to intervene because they did not know whether the bird would regurgitate the sand on his own, and because he appeared to be in a good state of health.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} However, by the morning of 24 June, Happy Feet was lethargic, dehydrated, had difficulty swallowing and occasionally attempted to expel sand.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} He was also suffering from heat stress, as the air temperature of about {{convert|10|C}} was warmer than that emperor penguins are accustomed to.{{Cite news |date=24 June 2011 |title=Concerns for New Zealand's wayward penguin |url=https://phys.org/news/2011-06-zealand-wayward-penguin.html |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=Phys.org |agency=AFP}} Because of this, at noon on the same day, DOC and Te Papa museum staff placed Happy Feet into an ice-filled plastic tub and transported him to Wellington Zoo's animal hospital The Nest Te Kōhanga.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}}

Healthcare

File:TheNest.jpg in 2010|alt=Exterior of the animal hospital Nest Te Kōhanga]]

After Happy Feet arrived at the zoo, veterinarians anaesthetised him and took x-rays, revealing that his oesophagus and proventriculus (stomach) were full of sand.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} A stomach rupture was considered possible,{{Cite news |date=27 June 2011 |title=Emperor penguin to undergo further procedure |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/78522/emperor-penguin-to-undergo-further-procedure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625222713/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/78522/emperor-penguin-to-undergo-further-procedure |archive-date=25 June 2024 |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=RNZ}} and he was given a 50 per{{Nbsp}}cent chance of survival. He was put on an intravenous drip due to dehydration, and had water pumped down his throat to flush out most of the sand from his oesophagus,{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} but it still remained in his proventriculus.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}} Overnight, Happy Feet excreted some sand, indicating that a portion had moved through his digestive system.{{Cite news |date=25 June 2011 |title=Second penguin operation a success |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/second-penguin-operation-a-success/MHAOVNDMU7TWE4YZVSGRKLVTBQ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211021410/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/second-penguin-operation-a-success/MHAOVNDMU7TWE4YZVSGRKLVTBQ/ |archive-date=11 December 2020 |access-date=8 November 2024 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} To encourage him to expel the material, he was given oily foods and laxatives.{{Cite news |date=27 June 2011 |title=Penguin survives stomach surgery |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/penguin-survives-stomach-surgery/6WVVPLGCXOBVZKTMGLAJBPI24U/ |access-date=8 November 2024 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}

On 27 June, veterinarians flushed sand out of Happy Feet's proventriculus, using an endoscope to view the contents, a method also used in subsequent procedures.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}}{{Cite news |last=Duff |first=Michelle |date=28 June 2011 |title=Emperor penguin perkier after operation |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5200033/Emperor-penguin-perkier-after-operation |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} This was conducted in front of about 100 spectators, who observed through a window. The following day, about half of the sand was removed,{{Cite news |date=29 June 2011 |title=Happy Feet 'stable' following operation |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/happy-feet-stable-following-operation |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=Otago Daily Times |publisher= |agency=Allied Press}} and on 2 July, a fourth and final procedure was performed to flush out additional stomach contents.{{Cite news |date=2 July 2011 |title=Happy Feet recovering after fourth surgery |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-recovering-after-fourth-surgery/IF4P3747SETLSZL64TVKYTXNIA/ |access-date=8 November 2011 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}{{Cite news |date=3 July 2011 |title=Happy Feet still under the weather |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-still-under-the-weather/NR26NLY6ZFSODWE7DJIEZ7VDPU/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214053835/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-still-under-the-weather/NR26NLY6ZFSODWE7DJIEZ7VDPU/ |archive-date=14 December 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}{{Cite news |last=Wade |first=Amelia |date=29 August 2011 |title=Black tie send off at zoo for Happy Feet |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/black-tie-send-off-at-zoo-for-happy-feet/WU5OIUTJ7JL4YRVSEE525NY2ZE/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202141239/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/black-tie-send-off-at-zoo-for-happy-feet/WU5OIUTJ7JL4YRVSEE525NY2ZE/ |archive-date=2 December 2024 |access-date=26 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} On the same day, x-rays taken to confirm that all the sand had been removed revealed small stones in the penguin's proventriculus.{{efn|name=stones|Emperor penguins have been known to swallow stones since at least the 19th century, but the reasons for them doing so are unknown.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}}}} In total, about {{Convert|2|kg}} of sand was removed.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}}

At the zoo, Happy Feet's enclosure was kept at {{convert|8|C}} and was fitted with a bed of ice to mimic his natural environment.{{Cite news |date=27 June 2011 |title=New Zealand: Emperor penguin recovering after surgery |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13932816 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704050558/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13932816 |archive-date=4 July 2024 |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=BBC News}} The penguin was provided access to an outdoor saltwater pool, which he swam in when air temperatures were sufficiently low.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=118}}{{Cite news |date=16 August 2011 |title='Perky' Happy Feet set to swim home |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/perky-happy-feet-set-to-swim-home/JB7K5MH4SCOJQYOABRA5R6BGKA/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202180438/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/perky-happy-feet-set-to-swim-home/JB7K5MH4SCOJQYOABRA5R6BGKA/ |archive-date=2 December 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} He was in Wellington for 10 weeks.{{Cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Andrea |date=15 July 2015 |title=Penguin Happy Feet becomes a Wellington celebrity – 150 years of news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/70229675/penguin-happy-feet-becomes-a-wellington-celebrity---150-years-of-news |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}}

Release

{{External media|topic=Happy Feet being released into the sea|caption=|video1=https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/46520/happy-feet-departs}}

During Happy Feet's recovery, an advisory committee, including experts from Wellington Zoo, DOC, Te Papa and Massey University, determined whether the penguin was to be released or kept in captivity. Arguments against release included the potential stress it could cause him, the likelihood that he would be unable to locate the colony he came from, and the risk of introducing disease to Antarctic colonies, as he might have contracted one during his journey to New Zealand. Releasing him in Antarctica would have been illegal without a permit under the Antarctic Treaty, which requires precautions to prevent the introduction of microorganisms, including viruses.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=119}}{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Kelly |date=7 July 2011 |title=Happy Feet Not So Happy |url=https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2011/07/happy-feet-not-so-happy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130115331/https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2011/07/happy-feet-not-so-happy/ |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=In Custodia Legis}}

In contrast, economist Gareth Morgan offered to transport the penguin to Antarctica aboard a Russian icebreaker ship as part of the "Our Far South" expedition, which he had organised. The vessel was scheduled to travel to Scott Base in the Ross Sea in early 2012.{{Cite news |last=Wheeler |first=James |date=27 June 2011 |title=Sick emperor penguin causes flap at zoo |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sick-emperor-penguin-causes-flap-at-zoo/WZT6HH6VA7MUVO5ZHS2U6D7VJU/ |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}{{Cite news |date=25 June 2011 |title=Ailing penguin Happy Feet offered a trip home |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ailing-penguin-happy-feet-offered-a-trip-home/DPSUZ3GDDAIQO2PUUF3R6EOTFY/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203084402/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/ailing-penguin-happy-feet-offered-a-trip-home/DPSUZ3GDDAIQO2PUUF3R6EOTFY/ |archive-date=3 February 2023 |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME |agency=NZPA}}{{Cite news |last=Pepperell |first=Susan |date=26 June 2011 |title=Happy Feet offered home run |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/5193766/Happy-Feet-offered-home-run |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=Sunday News |publisher=Stuff}} Addressing concerns about disease transmission, John Cockrem, a penguin expert from Massey University, believed that if Happy Feet were released in sub-Antarctic waters and made his way to Antarctica independently, any disease would disappear naturally, although the journey could prove fatal.{{Cite news |last=Wade |first=Amelia |date=28 June 2011 |title=Happy Feet had never seen sticks before – expert |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-had-never-seen-sticks-before-expert/SXK5KLXAMZBLFYXAZ6U5ZSKWOM/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516121624/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-had-never-seen-sticks-before-expert/SXK5KLXAMZBLFYXAZ6U5ZSKWOM/ |archive-date=16 May 2021 |access-date=19 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}

Keeping him in captivity also posed challenges. New Zealand lacked the facilities to replicate the climatic conditions required for an emperor penguin. While suitable facilities existed in California—including SeaWorld San Diego, which offered to take the bird{{Cite news |title=Penguin lost in New Zealand, "Happy Feet," offered ride home |url=https://theworld.org/stories/2016/08/01/penguin-lost-new-zealand-happy-feet-offered-ride-home |access-date=15 April 2025 |work=The World |publisher=GlobalPost}}—transporting him there would likely cause him significant stress. Another concern was that New Zealand did not house any other emperor penguins;{{Cite news |last=Harper |first=Paul |date=28 June 2011 |title=Experts divided on penguin's future |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/experts-divided-on-penguins-future/ONLM46LVS6JAP3B3R3CIF5MHYU/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} if, for example, he were moved to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, he would be isolated. Some media outlets also suggested euthanising him or releasing him back on Peka Peka Beach.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=119}}

On 29 June, the committee unanimously decided that once Happy Feet had recovered, he would be released into the Southern Ocean, where juvenile emperor penguins are typically found.{{Cite news |last=Harper |first=Paul |date=29 June 2011 |title=Happy Feet to be released into sea |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-to-be-released-into-sea/PZDRLRWV3HUK4ZNU2XJJH6NWAU/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |agency=NZPA |publisher=NZME}}{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=119}} Prior to his departure, a microchip transponder was inserted under the skin of his right thigh and a satellite transmitter was glued and fastened with cable ties to the feathers of his lower back, allowing his location to be tracked.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}} The device was designed to detach during his next moult.{{Cite news |last=Malkin |first=Bonnie |date=12 September 2011 |title=New Zealand penguin Happy Feet may have been eaten |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/8756767/New-Zealand-penguin-Happy-Feet-may-have-been-eaten.html |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=The Daily Telegraph}} On the day before he left the zoo, a "Haere Ra Happy Feet" farewell party was held, which was attended by more than 1,700 people.{{Cite news |last=Perry |first=Nick |date=30 August 2011 |title=Happy Feet begins journey home from NZ |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44321303 |access-date=7 November 2011 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press}}

{{OSM Location map

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| caption = The location where Happy Feet was released{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}}

| auto-caption=1

}}

Happy Feet left Wellington Zoo on 29 August aboard NIWA's research vessel Tangaroa, which was conducting a fisheries survey around Campbell Island.{{Cite news |date=30 August 2011 |title=Happy Feet sets sail for Southern Ocean |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/83801/happy-feet-sets-sail-for-southern-ocean |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608182907/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/83801/happy-feet-sets-sail-for-southern-ocean |archive-date=8 June 2021 |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=RNZ}}{{Cite web |date=4 September 2011 |title=Goodbye Happy Feet – We wish you well |url=https://niwa.co.nz/news/goodbye-happy-feet-we-wish-you-well |access-date=21 April 2025 |website=NIWA}} Over the next five days the ship travelled {{Convert|1200|km}} south-southwest from Wellington, arriving on 4 September at the release point, about {{Convert|78|km|mi}} north of the island.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}} The penguin was released that morning at 10:30{{Nbsp}}am, via a makeshift slide at the stern of the ship.{{Cite news |date=4 September 2011 |title=Wayward penguin released south of New Zealand |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44388872 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920062427/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44388872 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |access-date=7 November 2011 |work=NBC News}} An alternative release method—placing him into the sea from a smaller boat—was ruled out due to rough sea conditions.{{Cite news |date=18 August 2011 |title=Happy Feet ready to ship out |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-ready-to-ship-out/UTDCM7SEPTHB5Y75OAXHPYPXL4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206115619/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-ready-to-ship-out/UTDCM7SEPTHB5Y75OAXHPYPXL4/ |archive-date=6 December 2024 |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}

Disappearance

After Happy Feet left the ship, his location was tracked via the satellite transmitter, with data shared on a public website. It reported that within five days the penguin had covered {{convert|113|km}}, generally heading southeast,{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}} towards the Marie Byrd Land region of Antarctica.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}} However, the transmitter signal was lost at 8{{Nbsp}}am New Zealand Standard Time on 9 September 2011,{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=120}}{{Cite web |last=Miskelly |first=Colin |date=12 September 2011 |title=The global penguin – Part 10. It's only a game. |url=https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2011/09/12/the-global-penguin-part-10-its-only-a-game/ |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=Te Papa}} much earlier than expected,{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}} indicating that the device had not surfaced since then. The most likely explanations are that the transmitter had fallen off—possibly caused by the penguin pecking at it{{efn|name=peck|Emperor penguins have been observed pecking at transmitters attached to them.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}}}}—or that the penguin had been preyed upon.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}} On 13 September, Cockrem stated that it was "highly likely" that Happy Feet was still alive, as he had not travelled far enough south to encounter predators such as leopard seals, and believed that the tracker had simply fallen off.{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Kirsty |date=13 September 2011 |title=Hope yet for Happy Feet fans |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/cutestuff/5617020/Hope-yet-for-Happy-Feet-fans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115223406/https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/cutestuff/5617020/Hope-yet-for-Happy-Feet-fans |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=Stuff}}{{Cite news |date=13 September 2011 |title=It's a miracle! Happy Feet (probably) alive |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/its-a-miracle-happy-feet-probably-alive/PNL6EDSMPXFHWUTW6UW7ZFPAZU/ |access-date=7 November 2024 |agency=NZPA |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} During a parliamentary question time in October 2011, Green MP Gareth Hughes asked the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Phil Heatley, whether a trawler might have killed Happy Feet. Heatley dismissed this possibility, stating that the tracker data indicated that the penguin had not approached any trawlers closely enough.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2011 |title=Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansS_20111006_00000621/hughes-gareth-questions-for-oral-answer-questions-to |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=New Zealand Parliament}}{{Cite news |last=Leslie |first=Demelza |date=31 July 2014 |title=Fashion features as MPs farewelled |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/251011/fashion-features-as-mps-farewelled |access-date=25 November 2024 |work=RNZ}}

Before Morgan's "Our Far South" expedition began in early 2012, Morgan said the team would attempt to locate Happy Feet using the chip implanted in him. This would have involved approaching a colony and searching for the chip with a radio transmitter,{{Cite news |last=Tapaleao |first=Vaimoana |date=10 December 2011 |title=Richlister's mission for Happy Feet |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/richlisters-mission-for-happy-feet/LN65CBE6DPA4AE4EGBX3RE2QBY/ |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} but Happy Feet was heading towards the rarely visited Marie Byrd Land, where some colonies have never been visited.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=121}}

Cost

More than $30,000 had been spent on Happy Feet by September 2011. While DOC did not disclose the costs relating to the penguin during his time at the beach,{{Cite news |last1=Harvey |first1=Sarah |last2=Field |first2=Michael |date=31 July 2011 |title=Happy Feet rated priceless publicity despite costs |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/5366465/Happy-Feet-rated-priceless-publicity-despite-costs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250103164929/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/5366465/Happy-Feet-rated-priceless-publicity-despite-costs |archive-date=3 January 2025 |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=Sunday Star Times |publisher=Stuff}} Wellington Zoo reported raising $29,000 by the time of his departure, covering the costs of his care and release. The zoo recorded a 50 per cent increase in visitors in the month of July 2011 compared to July 2010, which it attributed to both Happy Feet's presence and the opening of new exhibits.{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Quarterly Review – Wellington Zoo Trust |url=https://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/your-council/meetings/subcommittees/council-controlled-organisation-subcommittee/2011/12/05/files/wellington_zoo.pdf?la=en |access-date=6 March 2025 |website=Wellington Zoo}}

Several businesses supported fundraising efforts. The snack manufacturer Bluebird Foods, which had long featured penguins in its advertising, contributed to the cause and estimated that it would raise about $20,000 before beginning its campaign.{{Cite news |date=6 July 2011 |title=Buy our chips and we'll get Happy Feet home – Bluebird |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/buy-our-chips-and-well-get-happy-feet-home-bluebird/BY3JBLIQYNHEAVMRECTMV35OQE/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}{{Cite news |last=Chug |first=Kiran |date=5 July 2011 |title=Bluebird to fundraise for penguin rescue |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/5231927/Bluebird-to-fundraise-for-penguin-rescue?videoId=6332268356112 |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} Morgan also launched a fundraising campaign to support the penguin's care, matching each dollar donated. Surplus funds from all fundraising efforts were directed to other initiatives, such as Places for Penguins, run by Wellington Zoo and Forest & Bird.{{Cite news |date=27 August 2011 |title=Best option for Happy Feet not clear |publisher=Stuff |url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-post-1022/20110827/282514360235217?srsltid=AfmBOorag3JFuTKDBw_zH6vgYDhYPa3pw6p-eKJTslJudF_uAR7qgCb5 |access-date=20 May 2025 |work=The Dominion Post |via=PressReader}}

Happy Feet's recovery occurred during a period of public funding cuts to DOC. The department's expenditure on his rehabilitation contributed to the media coverage he received, which in turn helped raise public awareness of birds and wildlife in New Zealand. However, The Dominion Post suggested that the funds could have been more effectively used to restore a wetland or forest remnant, which would help several birds rather than just one.{{Cite news |last=Wayne |first=Linklater |date=3 August 2011 |title=Happy Feet, unhappy ending? |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/5379975/Happy-Feet-unhappy-ending |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} Kevin Hackwell of Forest & Bird stated that Wellington Zoo would have faced criticism regardless of whether it assisted Happy Feet.

Media coverage and recognition

Happy Feet's arrival at Peka Peka Beach received worldwide media coverage, with over 600 media outlets reporting on the story.{{sfn|Miskelly|Simpson|Argilla|Cockrem|2012|p=117}} He raised public awareness of wildlife, and for some time received more media attention than New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.{{Cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |last2=Taylor |first2=Corrie |date=5 July 2011 |title=Bluebird to chip in for lucky penguin |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bluebird-to-chip-in-for-lucky-penguin/BDTKY2DYXCL5J3Z644NWWWHIPQ/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} The penguin received significantly more attention than the only other recorded emperor penguin to swim to New Zealand, who arrived in 1967.{{Cite news |last=Wheeler |first=James |date=27 June 2011 |title=Long time between royal penguin visits |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/long-time-between-royal-penguin-visits/DP3OMUNZ7BTLOJOHCVJSOUBTBA/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610055124/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/long-time-between-royal-penguin-visits/DP3OMUNZ7BTLOJOHCVJSOUBTBA/ |archive-date=10 June 2021 |access-date=8 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}}

In November 2011, a resin statue of Happy Feet was unveiled at the Coastlands Shopping Centre in Paraparaumu.{{Cite news |date=7 November 2011 |title=Penguin statue 'captures Happy Feet essence' |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/penguin-statue-captures-happy-feet-essence/krlndsgzs |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=SBS World News |publisher= |agency=AAP}}{{Cite news |date=26 October 2011 |title=Happy Feet sculpture for the Kapiti Coast |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-sculpture-for-the-kapiti-coast/CVCOJ4T2R424ZRCW4V4FYJHJUQ/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608225721/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-sculpture-for-the-kapiti-coast/CVCOJ4T2R424ZRCW4V4FYJHJUQ/ |archive-date=8 June 2021 |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME}} It was later relocated to the nearby Coastlands Aquatic Centre, where it became the centre's mascot.{{Cite web |date=14 August 2023 |title=Coastlands Aquatic Centre celebrates 10 years |url=https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/council/news-and-information/news-and-stories/2023/august-2023/coastlands-aquatic-centre-celebrates-10-years/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Kāpiti Coast District Council |archive-date=6 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806135512/https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/council/news-and-information/news-and-stories/2023/august-2023/coastlands-aquatic-centre-celebrates-10-years/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Blundell |first=Kay |date=31 October 2011 |title=Happy Feet sculpture for Kapiti mall |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5881667/Happy-Feet-sculpture-for-Kapiti-mall |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530041633/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5881667/Happy-Feet-sculpture-for-Kapiti-mall |archive-date=30 May 2023 |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} Sarah Holleman, a Wellington Zoo veterinary nurse who helped care for the penguin, assisted in making the statue. That same year, Christine Wilton—who discovered the penguin on the beach and reported him to DOC—wrote a children's book about him,{{Cite news |last=Blundell |first=Kay |date=17 September 2011 |title=Happy Feet discoverer writes book |url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-post-1022/20110917/282157877974685?srsltid=AfmBOory8_UC_sirQVViB8vR9YUIpEKR0ak8ZHj-kSnVDtfrGo29emXA |access-date=6 December 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff |via=PressReader}} and Penguin Books also published a children's book about Happy Feet.{{Cite news |last=Blundell |first=Kay |date=13 October 2011 |title=Happy Feet's legacy in print |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/5779222/Happy-Feets-legacy-in-print?videoId=6338262466112 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207031909/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/5779222/Happy-Feets-legacy-in-print?videoId=6338262466112 |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=6 December 2024 |work=The Dominion Post |publisher=Stuff}} In December 2011, Time magazine named Happy Feet as a runner-up Animal of the Year, behind Cairo, the dog who helped with the killing of Osama bin Laden.{{Cite news |last=Warmington |first=Andrea |date=16 December 2011 |title=Happy Feet Time's (runner-up) animal of 2011 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-itimesi-runner-up-animal-of-2011/BWCHHCZTKWV4YR7TWAM5DHQZDA/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207010600/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/happy-feet-itimesi-runner-up-animal-of-2011/BWCHHCZTKWV4YR7TWAM5DHQZDA/ |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=6 December 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=NZME |agency=APNZ}}

Notes

{{Notelist}}

References

{{Reflist}}

Works cited

  • {{Cite journal |last1=Miskelly |first1=Colin |last2=Simpson |first2=Peter |last3=Argilla |first3=Lisa |last4=Cockrem |first4=John |date=January 2012 |title=Discovery, rehabilitation, and post-release monitoring of a vagrant emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) |url=https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Miskelly_et_al._2012_0.pdf |journal=Notornis |volume=59 |issue=3–4 |page=116 |doi=10.63172//743319atwwwx |oclc=837311158}}