YIPPEE!

'Happy Feet' Penguin Returns Home

Back to Antarctic waters from New Zealand.

He popped his head up for one last look at those who saved him—and then he was gone. The emperor penguin known as "Happy Feet" was found on a beach in New Zealand, 2,000 miles from home, more than two months ago, and became an instant celebrity. It's been 44 years since an emperor penguin was spotted in the wild in the area. After he ate sand, mistaking it for snow, authorities had to move him to the Wellington Zoo, but the plan had always been to return him to the wild. He was transported back home, and when the door to his crate was opened Sunday, he showed no interest in leaving. Crew members had to give him a little tap on his back, and Happy Feet slid down a slide on his stomach into the water, and then disappeared.