Happy Feet is expected to leave Wellington Zoo at the end of the month. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The emperor penguin who became world famous when he washed up on a Kapiti Coast beach in June will return home at the end of this month.
Wellington Zoo and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research (Niwa) today announced Happy Feet would be shipped out to sea on
Niwa's research vessel Tangaroa on August 29.
Happy Feet, who has lived at Wellington Zoo since he was found on Peka Peka beach, would be released in the Southern Ocean four days into the ship's month-long trip to the Campbell Islands, 700km south of New Zealand.
Wellington Zoo's manager of veterinary science Lisa Argilla, assisted by two Niwa staff, would accompany the penguin on the voyage.
Happy Feet would be housed in a travel crate, designed to keep him cold and comfortable during the four days, Wellington Zoo chief executive Karen Fifield said.
