Threatened penguins that usually live on islands close to Antarctica have been popping up on Western Australia's south coast, surprising wildlife officers and beach goers.
Over the past year, 10 northern rockhopper penguins have been found on beaches between Jurien Bay and Augusta, far from their usual homes more than 3000km away.
Pia Courtis from the Parks and Wildlife Service said they usually visited WA beaches in summer seeking refuge during their three-week annual moult period when they are unable to enter the water and do not feed.
They have been temporarily cared for by wildlife rehabilitators in the South West region and at Perth Zoo so they can complete their moulting in a safe environment, protected from predation by dogs and foxes.
Four were released into waters off Augusta on Tuesday.
"We are expecting them to head to known feeding grounds to feed on krill, squid and octopus for the winter months, before returning to breeding islands in the Indian and South Atlantic ocean in spring," Ms Courtis said on Wednesday.
The remaining penguins will continue to receive care until they are able to be released.
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