Lost Penguin

My heart breaks for this Emperor penguin who swam all the way to New Zealand from Antarctica!  Researchers won't take him home in worry that he may have caught a disease from swimming in the warmer water, and becuase the logistics of getting him back to Antarctica this time of year are too difficult.   Read the article in the SF Chronicle at sfgate.com here:

Stranded Emperor Penguin Won't Get Trip Back Home

Wildlife officials say the penguin has been eating wet sand, likely mistaking it for snow, and Simpson said its plight has sparked entreaties from around the world asking New Zealand to help the penguin get home since it was spotted Monday.
--Nick Perry, Associated Press

I wish they'd at least take him in at a zoo and take care of him. Don't you just love Emperor penguins??
Photo: Richard Gill / AFP/Getty Images