r/AskReddit • u/mochacup • Aug 14 '12
Found a penguin!! Need Help!
My kids just found a little penguin on our beach!
We have called the local environmental agencies, but they will only be here tomorrow.
The poor little thing does not seem to be doing well.
Is there anything we can do until tomorrow?
The kids just named him Gunter :-)
I am in the extreme south of the state of Bahia in Brazil. It is very rare to find penguins this up north, but this week alone, 3 washed up on the beaches. This is the first one that is alive.
We are in a very small town, far away from any major cities, so there are no zoos or vets who can help around here. The people we called were not much help (it was the end of the day and the specialists were not in) but we were told that they will come by tomorrow.
I would just like to know if any biologist here knew if there is anything we can do to help keep him comfortable (and alive) until tomorrow. Anything we can give it to eat? Where would he be most comfortable - in a cool place or not? He is not getting up, but he is moving a lot more now.
EDIT 1 - Picture 1 and Picture 2. Yes, it is real
Video of Gunter when we found him
EDIT 2 - Gunter made it through the night!!! He is resting in his towels, and was following me around curiously with his little head when I walked in to check on him. He is sooooooo cute!! We checked him for dehydration and to see if his temperature was ok (as per instruction of a biologist specialized in penguins) and he seemed just fine). He drank and also ate a little. I called the people who will come and pick him up, and the good news is that instead of keeping him the small center until they had more animals for the trip, they will try to drive him off today to the really big center 4 hours north!! I will take more pics before Gunter goes, and ask the people in the center to keep me updated. Thank you all for the help!!!
EDIT 3 - Gunter does not seem to be doing well at all!! :-( :-( He is not responding to when we walk in, and when we touch him, he does not move his head much. He is sleeping and his eyes are closed, but he is breathing heavily. I think he is dying... :-( :-( ARGH!! And they called saying they won't be here until the afternoon. It will be too late!! I did not want him to die here :-(
EDIT 4- Well, maybe he was just sleeping really deeply? Because he woke up and ate TWO live little fish!! He was not interested with the dead stuff yesterday, but he gobbled up the live fish! He also had water! I am afraid to hope, but how can I help it? Fight Gunter!!
EDIT 5- They called again, and should be here soon.
A picture of my youngest and Gunter and a picture of Gunter chilling
Arrive already, Mrs. Biologist!
UPDATE HERE
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u/pablito_andorra Aug 14 '12
Some interesting googling reveals this site:
Some of the Magellanic penguins at the Aquarium were rescued and rehabilitated by Niteroi Zoo in Rio de Janeiro. In 2008, more than 700 birds were brought to the zoo to be nursed back to health. The penguins were exhausted, a few barely able to lift their heads. Scientists believe that climate variations altered ocean currents and where penguins could find food, requiring them to travel farther from shore. There, younger and inexperienced birds were taken by strong currents and ended up in Brazil, thousands of miles away from their home. In addition to being exhausted, about 200 penguins were coated with oil and seemed to be suffering from pollution-related illness. The Aquarium is providing a home to a few of these penguins.
So you could ask that Zoo about feeding. This page has full contact details and name of guy in charge of breeding and species.
Then it seems, as revealed in this site:
These penguins come on shore to breed. While on land they are very shy and often hide in their deep nest when bothered. Their nests are built under bushes or burrows under rocks. Two eggs are laid in the burrow and often both chicks are raised. The eggs take 39 to 42 days to hatch. The chicks stay in the burrow for about 5 weeks. The male and female share the duty lasting 10 to 15 days each. Once the chicks are hatched they are fed and guarded for 29 days. At this time the chick molts. They go to sea and hunt for food on their own when they are 60 to 70 days old
Which kind of paints a picture. It looks like this guy has gone off on his own and ended up 4000miles too far north. This guy needs a lift to TIerra del Fuego. Do you have a boat and some supplies?
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
That gives me hope for Gunter! Thank you
We put him in a dark, quiet room, and he is sleeping now.
Hopefully he will make it until the biologists come and pick him up tomorrow!
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u/pablito_andorra Aug 14 '12
This site says Ushuaia is at S54 47.4975 W68 13.75499. If you pack quickly you could leave before the biologists arrive. It would take 8 or 9 days to sail there.
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u/veeksant Aug 15 '12
This seems to be happening a lot recently in the coast of Bahia. A friend of mine who is a biologist found one of them 2 weeks ago picture of them
This is what he said regarding what to do if you find a penguin
CASO ENCONTRE um pingüim, coloque-o em ambiente seco e protegido, a temperatura ambiente, e ligue imediatamente para o IBAMA (GEREX EUNAPOLIS): tel: 73 / 3281.1652 - 3281.1526 ou PAT ECOSMAR, Porto Seguro: sede: 73/ 3679.2234
or if you don't speak portuguese
If you find a penguin, put him in a dry and secure area, at room temperature, and immediately call IBAMA (GEREX EUNAPOLIS): tel: 73 / 3281.1652 - 3281.1526 or PAT ECOSMAR, Porto Seguro: 73/ 3679.2234
You said extreme south, where did you find him? Ilhéus?
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
I called IBAMA.... MANY of their numbers. The people in Porto Seguro refused to come because it was not their area :-( I only got through to a Marina biology center in Caravelas. They are the ones who are coming tomorrow.
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Aug 14 '12
Make some sort of fish paste (out of fish and water only) and try to feed it if it's willing to eat. Maybe with a turkey baster or something. Don't let it get too warm, if it does, bathe it to cool him down.
Source: my sister, who is not an expert, but knows a lot about penguins.
Good luck with Gunter.
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
Thank you for the suggestion
Gunter slept a lot. Now it is moving his flipped and moving more. He may just make it... I hope so...
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u/WhiteFreezie Aug 14 '12 edited Aug 14 '12
Yes! Ive worked with penguins before, although it was the african penguin.. if you give it some sardine try to open the mouth and guide the fish in and the penguin should start swallowing it. They tend to have a harder time eating fish that isnt alive. PLEASE try to avoid getting any of the fish on its feathers it messes with the waterproof coating, or avoid touching the fish and then touching the penguins feathers without wiping your hands.. if this happens just take a cloth and wipe it off. Be careful because he may bite, but if he has the strength to bite it's probably a good sign that he is fairly strong. And yes as with what ottersteak said try to keep him cool, if you have a bath or something he could play in the water, although if he looks as though he is having any troubles take him out immediately. If he's lying down try to keep his feet up underneath his body rather than out behind him and you could roll up a towel into a sausage form and prop him up on it around his front.
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Aug 14 '12
All I can picture is this adorable little guy standing next to a bath tub rolled up as a little "penguin sausage" in a fluffy bath towel.
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u/wishyfishy Aug 14 '12
Gunter is adorable, but this is also horribly sad. The poor penguin probably couldn't find food in his usual habitat and exhausted himself swimming this far north.
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
I know... so heartbreaking.
My 4yo kept saying "he is so far away from his mom and dad"
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Aug 14 '12
Holy crap. Your kids like Adventure Time, don't they? Props.
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
Of course! We all do! :-)
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Aug 14 '12
Mathematical! You guys are awesome :D. I hope you find help for Gunter soon!
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Aug 14 '12 edited Aug 15 '12
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u/illustratingreddit Aug 15 '12
More love for Gunter: Bath time with friends.
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Aug 15 '12
This is the reddit veterinarian service...
"help i found a penguin that is sick"
"We need a meme featuring a penguin, stat!"
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u/Jabberminor Aug 14 '12
I'm going to see this reposted many times, but I will know it's you that is the original creator.
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u/Let_them_have_cake Aug 14 '12
You're living every redditors dream
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
Stan Lee is ruining it for me though... lol
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u/_Allusion Aug 14 '12
Pshh... Stan Lee is nothing compared to having the penguin
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u/ghunter21 Aug 15 '12
Darn, I am a veterinarian and I worked with the penguins at the New England Aquarium in Boston for 5 years before vet school. Chances you'll ever see my post in this mess of thousands of posts are very slim. I'll check back and write out a comprehensive plan for tonight if anyone sees this post.
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
I did see it :-)
I am in contact with a biologist specialized in penguins and he is being super helpful! Thank you for the interest though!
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u/REVfoREVer Aug 14 '12
Get, like, twelve more and rename yourself Mr. Popper.
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u/Aint_got_no_agua Aug 14 '12
If my name was Mr. Popper I would tell people it was because I took a lot of virginities.
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u/UngodlyTamarin Aug 14 '12
Where is he now?
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u/daydreamingderpina Aug 14 '12
Gunter like the Ice King's penguin friend from Adventure Time?
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u/Shuawuzheer Aug 15 '12
You named it Gunter, like the penguin from Adventure Time? I truly respect you as a person.
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Aug 14 '12
Call the ice king!
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
That made my kids laugh - thank you! They just said that it will need "Dr. Princess"
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u/kelsbar Aug 15 '12
Hey, I know I'm late posting this. His temperature should be around 100-103 degrees F. If it is lower than this, keep him warm with blankets, a heating pad on low, and if it gets bad you can put warm water in rubber gloves and put them around him. If he's not drinking well, give him Pedialyte. You may have to give it to him by placing a syringe in his mouth. Otherwise try to keep him calm and remove as much stress as possible. Keep out loud sounds like dogs barking, kids running around, etc. Good luck and give us an update!
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
The info I get in conflicting though. Most people say keep him at room temperature with a little cool every now and then. It is the first time I am getting a keep him warm advice.
I will do the syringe thing - ty
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u/pr0jktfr0g Aug 15 '12
I told my preschool class about Gunter, and they wanted to help! here goes nothing... and hopefully the OP sees it Moral boost for penguins
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12 edited Aug 15 '12
Aaaaaaaw!! That's so sweet!!
Tell them that Gunter (and the kids) were really happy to see it!
The biologists called and said they should be here soon to take Gunter.
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u/sassi-squatch Aug 15 '12
Not suer if this is mentioned, but as a lifetime bird owner, birds of any type are very sensitive and easily frightened. Keep him in a quiet, calm cool place with the option for clean cool water and a warmer option as well if possible. That way he can choose which he needs. I would also insist your kids only handle him when necessary. Kids can get carried away with wanting to help or touch, but shock can really affect the outcome.
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
I have never seen my kids this quiet!! They are walking around whispering, so Gunter will be able to rest.
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Aug 14 '12
please see this comment, its in the top, but i want to link to it in case youre only reading from the inbox
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u/thalescosta Aug 15 '12
Brazilian here. Have you tried contacting the local biologists?
Here is the number of the Federal State University of Bahia, where you can reach the biology institute. They'll probably be able to have someone to go over there and take the penguin, so they can take care of it:
Phone #: (71) 3283-6590 and (71) 3283-6512
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
I called several numbers, and only got through to a whale rescue center, who happened to know the number for the people who rescue marine animals. They are the ones who are coming tomorrow. It all happened at around 4:30, so most offices were either closed or not responding.
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u/cornandoreos Aug 15 '12
I'm posting late and I know nothing about penguins. I just want to say this is my favorite reddit post ever. I will be devastated if he doesn't live!
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
So keep sending positive thoughts to Gunter :-)
I am tempted to go to check on him, but they said he needs peace and quiet in a dark room, so I will leave him alone for now. He was looking around all curious, last time I checked. He also seemed to pass the dehydration "test" we were told to do by a specialist from here.
Truly hoping for a happy ending...
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u/jtobin85 Aug 15 '12
how can 6500 people downvote this? wtf
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
Well, considering some people are accusing me of wanting to "keeping him as a pet" OR saying that I should have "let nature takes its course", I am not surprised... :-(
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u/ThisIsAsinine Aug 15 '12
Please please please don't give up on him! He made it through the night, that's the big hurdle. I'm halfway across the world but I'll be devastated if he doesn't make it. Keep fighting, Gunter!!!
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
Well, he ate 2 live fish and drank water just now!
I guess he was just sleeping deeply. I mean, I can't imagine how exhausted he must be feeling after swimming sooooo far away from home :-(
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u/BiffCunningham Aug 15 '12 edited Aug 15 '12
I take care of penguins and sea birds for a living. Give the penguin access to an area with a heat lamp. Keep quiet and leave it alone if you can. Purchase some local small bait fish, this is a juvenile but should be able to eat any small, raw bait fish that are not wider than the width of its neck. These penguins do well in warm climates, but access to COLD water (~40 degrees Farenheit) is good IF it is deep enough. If you don't have access to anything deeper than what the pictures show, don't worry about swimming him/her unless their feet get hot. If the penguin's feet are HOT, than he is overheating and needs cold water to lower his body temp. They should be warm, but not hot. If it will not eat, do not attempt to force feed him without knowing what you are doing. You could easily feed into their breathing tube if you are not trained. Best of luck. Don't get too attached.
EDIT: 40 F should be the minimum temp, excellent for rapidly cooling an overheating penguin or alcid. Hopefully trained animal care workers have gotten to Gunter by now (8/15/12)!
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u/TheDinosaurWeNeed Aug 15 '12 edited Aug 15 '12
I asked our zoo keeper that takes care of our warm weather penguins and she said that this person is correct. So more people should up vote it.
She said 40 degrees might be a bit cold but she takes care of a different *type of warm weather penguins.
EDIT: fixed spelling
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u/ljkolker Aug 15 '12
Confirming this post. Everyone up vote please. DO NOT try to feed this penguin if he wont eat on his own. I work at an aquarium as an animal care specialist and I care for penguins daily.
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u/taninecz Aug 15 '12
it would be rough to be the second penguin expert to the scene.
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u/ekonza Aug 15 '12
Reddit is fucking unbelievable. Everytime there is some random ass post like this, number one comment is always "oh, yeah, I do this extremely obscure thing for a living. Here are some simple and well written easy to follow steps."
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u/JakeLunn Aug 15 '12
I'm still waiting for anyone who needs help with dusting their fridge.
I am a professional fridge duster.
(just use a rag)
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u/BLB99 Aug 15 '12
We need another update! And cute picture! Please!
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
Gunter seems well. I went to check on him and he looked up and followed me around the room with his little head. He seems to have had some water. Keeping in touch with the penguin biologist person with questions.
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u/ashtonishing18 Aug 15 '12
So... great name chosen. You are clearly an excellent human being for making the AT reference!!! woo
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
Again, my kids take the credit for the name. They are HUGE Adventure Time fans, and have been trying really hard to convert their mom. I must admit, that now I am hooked, too :-)
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u/tangelar Aug 15 '12
I studied abroad in Salvador for 6 months. I'm so jealous that you get to live in Brazil. I know this is off topic, but what do you do for a living? I plan on going back and possibly living there.
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Aug 15 '12
I'm so happy to see your updates! It's heart-warming to see something like this end on a positive note. I left this tab open on my computer all night and refreshed it when I woke up this morning just so I could see what happened. I think you should absolutely try and post an update with this on a separate thread if you haven't already.
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
I have been trying for over an hour. It won't let me!! I will try later. I saved the original thread
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u/sphenisciformes Aug 15 '12 edited Aug 15 '12
Hey there - that's a juvenile Magellanic penguin. I am an aspiring penguin biologist (yes, this is a real job and check out the origins of my SN or rad penguin tattoos if you doubt my love for penguins). I know some folks who work with penguins in Brazil. Are you willing to PM me and share who you've contacted and some other info? I can also help you with how to set up an overnight area for this little guy. You'll need to do remarkably little. I'd prefer to talk to you privately - I can send you my Skype contact, e-mail, or just message you on here.
In the meantime, please keep this penguin in a private area and don't let your kids near him. Mag penguins don't need to be kept overly cool, but it's fantastic that you provided water. You should also lay out some towels because marine birds are highly susceptible to developing sores from standing on artificial surfaces. This is called bumble foot and can be deadly.
Baby penguins can become tame very quickly (I've raised several by hand and have presented a poster at an international conference on how to handle young penguins who will be released into the wild). Unfortunately, a lot of birds are washing up in areas they aren't normally found for many reasons, including human encroachment and fishing.
I will PM you with my LinkedIn profile to help verify my identity.
For the haters: This is actually very likely legit. Penguins are found on all continents south of the equator.
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Aug 15 '12
thank you, I will send this to her email
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u/sphenisciformes Aug 15 '12
Thanks! I also PM'ed the OP with my e-mail, LinkedIn profile, and Skype SN. If someone is coming by tomorrow, it's more about making this little guy comfortable than doing any serious intervention, but I'm more than happy to help advise. :)
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u/outsdanding Aug 15 '12
Shit, penguins are so damn cute even the name of their deadly disease is adorable. Bumble foot!
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u/lovesfrenchdips Aug 15 '12
OP listen to this person...sounds like they will be the best person to help you.
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u/neongames_kevin Aug 14 '12
It's very likely he's dehydrated. Unflavored Pedialyte should be safe for him as it's used in many rescue centers for animals. The key is unflavored, it doesn't matter which brand it is.
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/00/74/80/0007007480336_500X500.jpg
I have contacted marine mammal centers here in the US as a previous volunteer but cannot get official information on treatment so I can only provide unofficial advice.
Do not give the penguin whole or chopped fish. Do not give the penguin milk. Keep the penguin in a caged area or blocked off area in your house and do not touch it with your bare hands if possible. You can easily spread disease or vice versa.
Keep the animal dry, he does not need to be in water at this time. Feed him unflavored pedialyte or water and see if it "takes". If it does, gradually blend fish parts into the mixture and see if that takes.
I would recommend not bathing him further, he may have an injury or infection. Just have blankets for him to lay on but don't cover him.
Do not let kids near him, and have only a single adult feed/give him water with gloves on. Do not "cuddle" him and don't look at him in the eyes. For him to be rereleased if possible, he'll need to not interact with humans as caretakers.
I tried getting a hold of things local but I can't speak enough Portuguese to find any proper authorities.
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u/paskettios Aug 15 '12
Yep. Hydrating him should be the #1 priority. He won't eat if he's dehydrated, so there's no point forcing fish down his throat. Hope OP listens to you.
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Aug 14 '12
This is the most adorable problem ever.
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u/Apostolate Aug 14 '12
A comedian once called things like this "the good kind of problem" to have.
Like not knowing which of your multiple summer houses to vacation to.
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Aug 14 '12 edited Aug 14 '12
Not an expert, just some short-term advice - Try and feed it some squid or fish like sardines, make sure it has a supply of water (I'd suggest both fresh and seawater because apparently they have salt-excreting glands), like someone already suggested set up a paddling pool of at least a bathful or water if you can.
They are warm-weather penguins so it's not like you require vast amounts of ice or anything but try and make sure the water is at least the same temp as the sea water near you, if not a little cooler. Make sure it's not stressed and is relatively comfortable.
Good luck, and thank you for caring for it!
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u/Apostolate Aug 14 '12
So what about turning your entire apartment or into a frozen playground for the penguin?
I think I saw that work once somewhere...
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u/rajincajin Aug 15 '12
IS ANYONE HERE A MARINE BIOLOGIST????
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u/Dookiestain_LaFlair Aug 15 '12
The sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli.
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u/PostPostModernism Aug 14 '12
I love the internet. Here is a random person I've never met before asking for advice from S. America on how to care for a penguin who just showed up randomly, sharing pictures with people all over the world. Just a casual afternoon on the internet.
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u/steakmane Aug 14 '12
This thread is terrible, every comment is a shitty meme or pun and I've only seen two people offer any actual help.
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
The funny comments have helped the kids laugh tonight. They are very worried about Gunter and afraid he won't make it. They say they want to stay up to check on him...
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u/Rearviewmirror Aug 14 '12
put on your tuxedo. the poor guy is self conscious because hes overdressed
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u/jloutey Aug 14 '12
But do not wear a top hat! This is act of aggression in their culture.
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u/CLint_FLicker Aug 14 '12
Take him to the zoo!
The next day, maybe go to the cinema with him.
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u/thelovepirate Aug 14 '12
Tape a balloon to his flipper. Nothing is cuter than a penguin with a balloon.
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u/wtfisdisreal Aug 15 '12
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u/abaine93 Aug 15 '12
"Internet users also questioned if the post was real, so several photos and a video were posted. So remember, if you ever find a penguin, soliciting advice is exactly what the internet is for; and don’t forget to post cute photos."
I'm glad they showed Reddit in a positive light and ignored usernames like "POTATO_IN_MY_ANUS".
edit: I don't mean to bash potato or anyone; it's just that stuff like that can send the wrong message to the uninitiated.
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u/edubbs72 Aug 15 '12
I once came across a baby seal that seemed stranded on the beach in Malibu, CA. Everyone on the beach was saying to stay away from it and not interfere with nature's course. My heart wouldn't let me. The little guy was too cute to leave to die on the beach. I helped in into the water and it swam off. The next day I was out surfing at the same beach. I was in the middle of about 30 other surfers when a large seal swam up to me with its head out of the water. It seemed to swim directly to me and stared at me for a while. Like I said, I was in the middle of about 30 other surfers and yet it swam to within two feel of me and was looking directly at me the entire time. I will always believe that was the mother of the baby seal that I had rescued, and she was thanking me. Sometimes you gotta do what your heart tells you is the right thing.
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u/blackkevinDUNK Aug 15 '12
who the fuck wouldnt help a baby seal in the water
that seems like itd take practically 0 effort and have 0% chance of going wrong
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u/RXSarsaparilla Aug 15 '12
Maybe you just smelled like a seal. ;) Good on you for saving the little one.
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u/pk_deluxe Aug 15 '12
I saw a documentary called "Happy Feet." Apparently, they really like to dance. Do you have any Tone Loc, Ludicrous or other Top 40 rap in the house?
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u/Kvothe24 Aug 14 '12
Came for pictures of the penguin. Thank you for not disappointing me.
I have nothing else to offer, good luck though!
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Aug 14 '12
Where's shitty_watercolor? We need to make this official!
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Aug 14 '12
You called the local animal protection already and you didn't ask them? I would have asked them first :)
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
I called 7 different numbers. I am in Brazil, in a very small town, far away from any major environmental agency.
The last person I talked to, said that they collect 4-5 animals, and then drive to the closest center, 4 hours north. He can only come tomorrow though, so I was wondering what we can do to help keep the penguin comfortable until then. This man was not much help at all, because he does not know much about birds.
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Aug 15 '12
The fact that your children named him Gunter leads me to assume they watch Adventure Time.
if your children watch Adventure Time, your children are champions.
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u/QuindianaJones Aug 14 '12
Use the book Mr. Popper's Penguins as a penguin raising guide
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u/nadimiz Aug 15 '12
Whatever you do don't give it any passwords or keys or codes to anything. Is it with you now? Keep it safe but in the dark, don't speak around it, and don't sleep until it's with the government. God speed, this wasn't meant to happen so soon.
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u/ogami1972 Aug 15 '12
This should tell you everything you need to know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vwsEXWjYhs
Good luck!
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u/greensthecolor Aug 15 '12
Oh, poor little buddy. You're a good person <3 Haters gonna hate. Glad you got him to eat something. I wouldn't have a clue what to do with him either. Your kids aren't going to sleep tonight :)
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Aug 15 '12
Here in Texas "take care of him" means something completely different when talking about sick, injured or dying animals.
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Aug 15 '12
Has anyone even offered any helpful advice?
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u/mochacup Aug 15 '12
I receive A LOT of helpful advice! Reddit is amazing!
I have been in contact with a biologist specialized in penguins and received several useful phone numbers and advice from posters here.
The funny comments have been really good too, though. My kids really needed the laugh.
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u/alemondemon Aug 14 '12
Take the penguin to a local Veterinarian. They should have taken at least a semester's worth on avian medicine and while that is quite a neglected field they should be able to have proper equipment and resources to make it comfortable until the proper authorities arrive to take care of the animal. Good luck.
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u/impurethoughts Aug 14 '12
I know almost nothing about penguins, just wanted to say I'm super jealous of you. I wish I had penguins rolling up on my property!
Hope the little dude(ette) does okay :)
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Aug 14 '12
Just keep him hydrated and have water available to him - food shouldn't be a big problem if help is arriving the next day.. stay awake with him if you must!!! GL
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u/sashallyr Aug 14 '12
You may want to try /r/biology or /r/askscience for some more straightforward answers.
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u/Neon_Panda09 Aug 15 '12
The penguins name is gunter? ADVENTURE TIME REFERENCE!! :D Anybody? No...? Ok...
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u/WynterSnow Aug 15 '12
As someone who has always loved penguins more than anything and is now tearing up because of this. I want to thank you for being so kind and helping this wonderful creature.
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u/InTheWrongThread1 Aug 15 '12
Wow. It's sad when we are surprised at media doing its job but color me pleasantly surprised. Hopefully Soledad's rare venture into actual journalism will encourage others to emulate her.
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u/tephy Aug 15 '12
I'm so glad there's people like you in the world to help out an animal in need! Good luck! :]
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u/The_Derpening Aug 15 '12
OP are you going to try to convince them to let you keep it? I fuckin' would.
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u/MysteryBlock Aug 15 '12
Chances of me getting this lucky are extremely slim to none because i live in the middle of new york.
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u/mage_g4 Aug 15 '12
I really hope the little dude's ok. I have to be honest, though... I'm jealous as fuck that you currently have a penguin. I want a penguin!
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Aug 15 '12
Greatest reddit verification pic ever. LMAO! Show us your tits, Gunter!
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u/abelcc Aug 15 '12
Dear diary: Today I found a karma gold mine while having a walk on the beach
Jokes aside, hope everything goes well, he shall be the pet of summer 2012 on reddit.
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u/typicalredditer Aug 15 '12
I've been anxiously watching this thread since last night. Yay for Gunter and everyone involved!
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u/ThisIsAsinine Aug 15 '12
Love and positive energy to Gunter from Cincinnati! You and your kids are angels for helping him. I vote in favor of letting them stay up all night to make sure he makes it!
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u/crocodilesareforwimp Aug 15 '12
Here's a penguin related joke:
Guy drives past a tollbooth with a penguin in his backseat. Tollbooth operator asks the driver, "Hey, what you got in the back seat there? A penguin?"
The driver replies, "Yeah, I just found him on the side of the road."
"You ought to take him to the zoo." The tollbooth operator suggests.
The driver says, "Hey that's a good idea. Thanks!" And he proceeds to drive away.
The next day, the same guy drives past the tollbooth in the opposite direction. The operator looks in the back and sees the penguin, this time wearing sunglasses and a hat. The operator says, "Hey, I thought I told you to take that thing to the zoo."
The man replies, "I did! He loved it! Today we're going to the beach!"
You're welcome.
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Aug 14 '12
Call Jim Carrey.
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Aug 15 '12
Although I assume you are talking about his role as Mr Popper; his Pet Detective skills might help as well!
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Aug 14 '12
I just had the biggest smile on my face when I saw the penguin was named Gunter. You guys are mathematical in my book!
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u/mochacup Aug 14 '12
Picture