What a coincidence. Those who have read my manuscript submitted for the Golden Point Award writing competition would be in awe by the similarity of how my story begins and the recent media sensation in New Zealand. I can assure you that my idea is original. The first draft of my story was written in June 17th. The Emperor Penguin that found his way to New Zealand was rescued on June 23rd (I think). Anyway, I had no prior knowledge of such news. Cynthia said it was a premonition. I don’t think I am that magical, beyond the realms of Warcraft. It is a pure coincidence. And I better make sure that I shall append a small clarification note if and when my story is published.
No one knows why a 3.5 years old Emperor Penguin ended up in New Zealand. The nearest iceberg – a natural habitat of an Emperor Penguin – is 2,200 km away. The locals named him “Happy Feet”. Under the care of Wellington Zoo, Happy Feet has recuperated, well enough to be freed into the ocean. When I met my New Zealand colleague this morning, I shared with him the happy news. He was surprised that I am in touch with New Zealand news. I was surprised that he too is passionate about Happy Feet. How do you reckon Happy Feet can find his way home, I asked. Magnetic fields, he answered. How nice if we could tell directions by sensing the invisible force eh? Some creatures are oh so smart.
In order to track Happy Feet’s whereabouts, the New Zealand scientists have glued a tiny satellite signal transmission device onto his back. You too can follow his progress in real time like I do (click here). I do not know how this story would end. A few hours ago, there was hardly any update. So I asked myself, is he still alive? As of now, Happy Feet seems to head somewhat south. It looks as though there is still much distance to cover. Some netizens fantasize if Happy Feet would find his family. I doubt if we will ever know. And I have watched enough animal channels to know that the living condition can be harsh down south. All of a sudden, I wondered: Would it be better if we don’t know his whereabouts at all? Just take it for granted that he is off to a better place?
Too late for that. I think I am glued to that website for quite some time.