An Emperor Penguin attracted worldwide media attention when it arrived on a New Zealand beach a week ago. The penguin underwent surgery at the Wellington Zoo to remove sand and sticks from its stomach.

The bird's arrival, the second ever recorded according to New Zealand's Department of Conservation, has brought the public's attention as Emperor Penguins usually live in Antarctica, more than 3,000 Km (1,864 miles) away.

The wandering penguin has been nicknamed Happy Feet.

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An Emperor Penguin stands on a beach on Kapiti coast
An Emperor Penguin dubbed "Happy Feet" stands on a beach on Kapiti coast June 20, 2011. The bird's arrival, the second ever recorded according to New Zealand's Department of Conservation, has caught the public's attention as Emperor Penguins usually live in Antarctica, more than 3,000 Km (1,864 miles) away. Picture taken June 20. REUTERS
Veterinary surgeon Dr Lisa Argilla examines an emperor penguin nicknamed quotHappy Feetquot, at Wellington Zoo
Veterinary surgeon Dr Lisa Argilla examines an emperor penguin nicknamed "Happy Feet", at Wellington Zoo June 24, 2011. Usually found in Antarctica, the penguin attracted worldwide media attention when it arrived on a New Zealand beach a week ago. It underwent surgery on Monday at Wellington Zoo to remove sand and sticks from its stomach. Picture taken on June 24, 2011. REUTERS
Visitors watch an emperor penguin nicknamed quotHappy Feetquot at the Wellington Zoo
Visitors watch an emperor penguin nicknamed "Happy Feet" at the Wellington Zoo June 25, 2011. Usually found in Antarctica, the penguin attracted worldwide media attention when it arrived on a New Zealand beach a week ago. It underwent surgery on Monday at Wellington Zoo to remove sand and sticks from its stomach. Picture taken on June 25, 2011. REUTERS
Veterinary surgeon Dr Lisa Argilla examines an emperor penguin nicknamed quotHappy Feetquot, at Wellington Zoo
Veterinary surgeon Dr Lisa Argilla examines an emperor penguin nicknamed "Happy Feet", at Wellington Zoo June 24, 2011. Usually found in Antarctica, the penguin attracted worldwide media attention when it arrived on a New Zealand beach a week ago. It underwent surgery on Monday at Wellington Zoo to remove sand and sticks from its stomach. Picture taken on June 24, 2011. REUTERS