**Emperor Penguin Gus Released Back to Sea After Unplanned Stay in Australia**

An emperor penguin named Gus, the first of its kind known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia, has made its way back to the ocean after an unexpected stay on an Australian beach. Gus was released into the Southern Ocean on November 21, following a 20-day recuperation period after he was found ashore.

The journey of this adult male penguin began when he was discovered on November 1, on the sand dunes of Ocean Beach in Denmark, Western Australia. This location is approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) from his native icy Antarctic habitat. His unexpected arrival on this popular tourist beach took locals and wildlife officials by surprise.

During his stay, Gus received care from registered wildlife caregiver, Carol Biddulph, who named him after the first Roman emperor, Augustus. The Western Australia state government stated that Gus was released from a Parks and Wildlife Service boat, which had to travel several hours from the city of Albany, the state's most southerly point, before reaching a suitable release spot in the Southern Ocean.

The event marks a rare occurrence of an emperor penguin traveling such a vast distance from its natural habitat, providing a unique and heartwarming story for wildlife enthusiasts globally. Gus's release back into the wild symbolizes a successful rescue and care mission by the Western Australian authorities and volunteers.