The emperor penguin named "Happy Feet" will be released into the sub-Antarctic ocean by a research vessel scheduled to leave the country Aug. 29.
Happy Feet first turned up sick at Peka Peka Beach on June 20. He was more than 2,000 miles from his home in the Antarctic.
The penguin was transferred to the Wellington Zoo four days later after becoming sick from eating sand, which he likely mistook for snow. He has since been nursed back to health at a zoo.
The zoo announced Wednesday that he will be released after four days at sea. The penguin's travels will then be tracked by GPS.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
