Lost Penguin Happy Feet Released Back Into The Ocean

The lost emperor penguin, Happy Feet, has been released back into the Southern Ocean to begin his swim home to Antarctica.

The bird became the centre of global media attention after he was found washed up on a beach in New Zealand in June.

He was taken to Wellington Zoo, where he was taken care of, and was given the name 'Happy Feet' after the character in the popular animated film of the same name.

He was found to have three kilograms of sand in his stomach and had to undergo endoscopic surgery to remove it.

Penguins normally eat snow to stay hydrated but veterinarians believe Happy Feet became confused and ate sand instead.

He was placed on board a ship on Saturday morning and was taken to the subantarctic waters of the Southern Ocean.

He was released down a purpose-made 'hydro-slide' off the stern ramp of the vessel.

The penguin has been fitted with a GPS tracker, which will allow fans to monitor his progress on several websites.