Asia-Pacific

DNA tests determine stranded NZ penguin is a boy

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-07-05 16:14

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - It's a boy.

Results of DNA tests are back for the emperor penguin nicknamed "Happy Feet," whose plight has been followed around the world since he was found stranded on a New Zealand beach two weeks ago.

Wellington Zoo spokeswoman Kate Baker says scientists determined the penguin's sex after scraping cells from his feathers.

Male and female emperor penguins outwardly appear identical.

Baker said Tuesday the penguin is recovering nicely after four medical procedures to flush sand and debris from his stomach. Happy Feet is now eating more than 4 pounds (2 kilograms) of salmon each day.

Emperor penguins typically live their entire lives in and around Antarctica, making Happy Feet's discovery in New Zealand so unusual.