Lost Humboldt penguin rescued in northern Chile
This lost Humboldt penguin was
rescued
Location: Chañaral, Chile
It was spotted by tourists
and appeared disoriented
Conservationists say sea currents swept it away from its habitat
ATACAMA NATIONAL FISHING SERVICE RESCUE MANAGER, ERICK BURGOS, SAYING: (SOUNDBITE STARTS WITH IMAGES OF PENGUIN BEING FED)
"We saved a specimen who was a bit weak and was not reacting. It was moving slowly, therefore we decided to rescue it and refer it to the Caldera municipal veterinary clinic."
Chile’s Sernapesca group released it
in Pan de Azucar National Park
REPRESENTATIVE FROM ATACAMA'S NATIONAL FISHING SERVICE RESCUE, GONZALO GOMEZ, SAYING: (SOUNDBITE STARTS WITH GENERAL VIEWS OF COASTLINE)
''This area was chosen to release the penguin because the island in front, is the closest reproductive area we have to the area where this penguin was found and it is an area where there are a large number of these penguins.''
Humboldt penguins are considered vulnerable
and their population fluctuates drastically
Researchers estimate around 5,000 mature
Humboldt penguins are left in the wild