PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Elias the penguin was brought to Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre as a blue (juvenile), by Elias Mthimunye, a friend and supporter of Tenikwa.

"So it only seemed fitting that we named him Elias," says Keri McMorran, animal keeper and managing director of Tenikwa.

"He was quite small, weak and dehydrated when he arrived with us. He also tested positive for Babesia, a blood parasite disease caused by tick bites.

"He stayed with us in high care for seven days until he had finished his medication and started taking fish by himself. He was very excited to be in the pool and soon showed us what a strong penguin he had become.

"He would spend a lot of time in the water. He was often seen swimming all by himself for long periods of time. About three weeks later, when Karolus came in, they became friends... It is exciting that they were released together," said McMorran.

Elias Mthimunye was at Lookout beach on Saturday 26 April to see his namesake off.

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Freedom Day comes early for 10 penguins | Knysna-Plett Herald 

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