In a world filled with fake news and everyone and their neighbor claiming to be experts on every topic imaginable, it’s hard to know what to believe. In the case of the penguin who swims 5000 miles to reunite with a man who saved his life, there were many misconceptions reported about the story. However, the story turns out to be true – for the most part. (1)

Penguin Tale Goes Viral

When Biologist, Joaopaulo Krajewski first reported the story, it was picked up by sources around the world. It also went viral on the internet. However, he was shocked at how much of his original story was misconstrued. “Since I recorded and presented the story about the penguin Dindim for the segment Domingão Aventura, that I present in Globo TV, Brazil, the story went viral all over the world. Several news agencies and websites published stories about the case, and I was absolutely shocked with the number of mistakes and wrong statements introduced in the story by some of them,” he says. (1)

Penguin Saved By Bricklayer

The truth of the story is that 71-year-old retired bricklayer Joao Pereira de Souza, did, in fact, rescue a penguin. Joaoa, who resides near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, did find a Magellanic penguin in dire straights back in 2011. The penguin was covered in oil and discovered on the rocks of a local beach. (1)

Joao found him, scrubbed off the oil and helped get his strength back. The penguin, which he named Dindim recovered under his care in a week. He was released into the sea but didn’t seem to want to leave Joao. “He stayed with me for 11 months and then, just after he changed his coat with new feathers, he disappeared,” says Joao. (1)

Penguin Follows Friend Home

Dindim returned a few months later where he found Joao on the beach. He followed him home and over a five-year period, spent eight months of the year with Joao. “I love the penguin like it’s my own child and I believe the penguin loves me,’ says Joao. “No one else is allowed to touch him. He pecks them if they do. He lays on my lap, lets me give him showers, allows me to feed him sardines and to pick him up.” (1)

5000 Mile Penguin Trek

According to Krajewski, despite some articles claiming Dindim makes a remarkable 5,000 thousand mile trek to see his friend every year, there is no truth to this. Although the penguin sleeps in Joao’s backyard when he is in the area, it is unknown where he goes when he is not in the general location of the beach near Joao’s home. (1)

Penguin Happy To See Friend

“Everyone said he wouldn’t return but he has been coming back to visit me for the past four years,” says Joao. “He arrives in June and leaves to go home in February and every year he becomes more affectionate as he appears even happier to see me.” (1)

Penguin Imprinted Location

Krajewski believes Dindim “imprinted” the location as his home. “When all the Magellanic penguins are going to Patagonia, Dindim goes to Ilha Grande and recognizes Mr. Joao,” he explains. He also says penguins are loyal and that this is probably at the root of the relationship. “This site and partner fidelity certainly facilitated the development of the relationship between Dindim and Mr. Joao. The relationship was created by the accident suffered by Dindim and by Joao having rescued him.” (1)

According to Krajewski, injured penguins are common in this area. He encourages people who might find a sick penguin to pass them over to the local authorities. They will ensure the critters get the proper care. (1)