The Magellanic penguin was found “lost” in Praia do Campeche in Florianopolis on the Monday morning (20) of Carnival. According to R3 Animal/Cepram, the bird was rescued out of season, as the species is expected to fall in Santa Catarina.

The penguin was found on Praia do Campeche, south of the island. Photo: Nilson Coelho/R3 Animal/ND

Veterinarians suspect spheniscus magellanicus comes from 2022 colonies, mostly in Patagonia, Argentina, chasing schools of fish. In the spring they begin their return journey.

The bird was found stranded and injured. Upon arrival at the Marine Animal Research, Rehabilitation and Disinsection Center (Cepram/R3 Animal), the penguin was dehydrated, with brittle and dry feathers.

According to veterinarian Janaina Laurence, these conditions may have contributed to his failure to return to his native colony.

“Poor body evaluation may have interfered with the complete molting process — the process that makes the animal permeable — which contributed to stranding,” the veterinarian explained.

According to Cepram/R3 Animal, the penguin has been fed and watered and will undergo treatment to restore health. Once he stabilizes, he will be with the other penguins who are in rehab.

The Cepram/R3 Animal project is part of the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS).