Stranded penguin moved to New Zealand zoo over health fears

A young Emperor penguin stranded on a New Zealand beach has been moved to a zoo over concerns for its health.

The bird's condition is believed to have steadily worsened since it was found on a North Island beach earlier this week.

It is 44 years since an emperor penguin was last spotted in New Zealand.

John Cockrem from Massey University said it was not moving much as a consequence of eating sand.

Wildlife experts intend to nurse it back to health at Wellington Zoo before they release it back into the sea.

Lisa Argilla, a vet from the zoo said: "It will be a logistical nightmare, but it is definitely worth trying to move him back down south where he belongs."