Dirk, the fairy penguin stolen over the weekend, has been safely recovered and returned home to Sea World in Queensland, Australia. According to CNN, the bird was stolen by three men who bragged about the crime and posted photos on Facebook. Local authorities helped spread the word that the men were releasing the penguin, and the bird was spotted under a pier.
Though exhausted and hungry after his ordeal, Dirk was unharmed. The three men have been arrested and will face various charges of theft and unlawfully keeping a protected animal.
Fairy penguins are one of only 18 species of penguins in the world, and while they are not endangered, they can only be found near Australia and New Zealand. They are also found in captivity in zoos and aquariums around the world.
What punishment do you think these men should face for stealing this penguin? Share your ideas in the comments!
Fairy Penguin
Photo © Ross Berteig
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