"All of the 400 plus rockhoppers now at the release pool were brought down from the rehab centre by tractor and trailer. It was a humid, hot day on Tristan and the penguins took to the water with visible relief at being able to cool down and swim in the spacious pools. The strongest penguins were darting and diving underwater and washed vigorously for a good ten minutes before clambering out on the pool ramps.

The pools are designed to have an area with pebbles so that the washed penguins can dry off and preen in between swimming and feeding.

To date 3,718 penguins have been admitted to the rehab centre, 2,378 have died at the centre and 24 penguins have been released.  it is hoped that up to 200 penguins will be released back into the wild in the next few days."