Instituto Albatroz Releases 16 Rehabilitated Magellanic Penguins Off Arraial do Cabo

Overview

• The birds were returned to the ocean on Monday, October 6, after treatment at the Centro de Reabilitação e Despetrolização run by Instituto Albatroz.
• They were collected in July and August from beaches in Cabo Frio, Búzios and Arraial by Petrobras’ Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias, a period when first‑time migrants often weaken due to exhaustion, fishing gear and pollution.
• Most arrived in critical condition with severe thinness, hypothermia and debility, then recovered through fluids, warming therapy and a specialized diet that can restore up to 60% of body mass, with lab and imaging evaluations.
• Each penguin received subcutaneous microchips and satellite transmitters for real‑time post‑release tracking to study movements, health and group cohesion.
• Releases are done in groups because the species is gregarious, and the public is urged not to push stranded birds back to sea, not to feed or ice them, and to call the PMP hotline at 0800 991 4800.