After fattening up for the past month, Snake the rare erect crested penguin found alone and hungry on a Canterbury beach, has been released back into the wild.
The female bird was found on Wakanui Beach by Michael Grice from Ashburton on February 13.
Grice snapped a photo, put it on social media to let people know to keep their dogs away, and reported the sighting to the Department of Conservation.
Doc staff took Snake to Oamaru Penguins, where she was found to be in need of a good feed.
This enabled her to be able to swim again.
On Monday morning, staff released her from the beach at Oamaru.
Science and environmental manager Philippa Agnew said it went ‘‘very well’’.
‘‘She popped out of the carry cage and wandered straight down to the water’s edge.
‘‘She was keen to get back into the water and swam away.’’
‘‘She was in great condition so I’m confident she’ll make it back,’’ Agnew said.
Grice was pleased to learn of the happy ending to Snake’s story.
‘‘It’s pretty neat to think a chance encounter all the way up here on Wakanui Beach has now got her on her way back to her colony."
