This Sweet Fisherman Saved A Penguin's Life, And The Penguin Will Never Forget It
by N/A, 10 years ago |
1 min read
A little kindness can go a long way.
When I say "penguin," you think this:
Probably not this:
Believe it or not, this is the Brazilian beach where Jinjing the penguin was found.
Jinjing is a Magellanic penguin who was washed ashore covered in oil when he was found in a remote fishing village by João Pereira de Souza.
De Souza cleaned and cared for Jinjing and they became fast friends.
De Souza said after he first helped Jinjing he expected him to swim away, but he didn't leave, and he hasn't left since.
For the last 4 years, Jinjing has returned to stay with his rescuer.
Magellanic penguins are native to Patagonia, more than 2,000 miles south, and are only occasionally known to make it as far north as the state of Rio de Janeiro.
But their friendship is worth the trip.
Dyan deNapoli, a penguin-specific veterinarian at Boston's New England Aquarium, suggests that Jinjing may have re-tuned his mating instincts for de Souza.
De Souza notes that "[Jinjing is] jealous for me. He doesn't let any dog or cat near me or he goes after them and pecks."
Jinjing usually stays for about 8 months before disappearing again. But no matter how long, he always makes his way back.
Watch the whole unusual friendship unfold:
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Do not show me this again