MELBOURNE, Australia — An adult emperor penguin, discovered in a state of malnutrition far from its natural habitat, is currently receiving treatment from a wildlife specialist, as reported by a local government body on Monday.

This male penguin was spotted on November 1 on a frequented beach in Denmark, located in the temperate region of southwest Australia — approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) away from the frigid waters of Antarctica. The information was relayed by the Western Australia state’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

According to Belinda Cannell, a research fellow at the University of Western Australia, this marks the first time an emperor penguin has been observed in Australia, although similar sightings have been reported in New Zealand, which lies nearly directly south of Denmark.

Cannell expressed uncertainty regarding the reasons behind the penguin’s unexpected journey to Denmark. She is collaborating with seabird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph, who is dedicating her efforts to the penguin’s recovery. Biddulph has been utilizing a cool water mist to help the penguin acclimate to the warmer climate it is currently in. The penguin stands around 1 meter (39 inches) tall and originally weighed about 23 kilograms (51 pounds). In contrast, a healthy adult male emperor penguin can weigh more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds).

The focus of the rehabilitation efforts, as stated by the department, is to restore the penguin’s health. When inquired about the possibility of returning the penguin to Antarctica, the department acknowledged that “options are still being worked through,” indicating ongoing considerations for the bird’s future.