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