A New Zealand penguin who traveled approximately 2500km and landed on a Victorian beach has been released back into the wild.
The penguin was discovered at Kennett River along the Great Ocean Road underweight and struggling in July.
Melbourne Zoo veterinarian, Michael Lynch said it is not clear why the penguin undertook the long journey, but it is not unheard of.
“We don't fully understand the factors for a Fiordland swimming to the Victorian coast, but the species' natural behaviour is to forage for food over long distances," Dr Lynch said.
The Fiordland penguin is a threatened species with only around 5600 individuals left.