Furtastic Series Banner

Dudes Snapchat baby penguin they found wandering through city drain

Don't swear in front of the penguin!
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The dirty drains of an Australian city are no place for a baby penguin, but that's just what Josh Pirini and Scott Martin found on Thursday.

According to SMH, the pair were taking photos of street art in a drain in Haberfield, Sydney, when the little guy came along and was immediately captured on Snapchat by two guys as they tried to rescue it.

It's kinda funny and adorable.

They tried catching the penguin in a towel, but no avail.

Warning: There's some strong language in this one. If you know Australia, you know the kind.

The penguin's wild adventure was soon over though. It was rescued by Inspector Tyson Hohlein from RSPCA NSW, after the two men reported the penguin was distressed and making "wild noises" when they tried to pick him up.

"It is unclear whether this penguin is the same ‘Mumble’ made famous by the Happy Feet film, who washed up on the shores of Australia after an epic journey from Antarctica," Hohlein said in a statement via email. Very funny.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It was taken directly to Taronga Zoo's wildlife hospital, where it was found to be slightly underweight and quite weak, but is otherwise healthy.

Staff will release the penguin back into the wild shortly, after it's had a bit of rest and relaxation after its big day out.

Topics Animals

Mashable Image
Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

Mashable Potato

More from Furtastic
Distraught woman whose house burned down gets uplifting surprise
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

The internet is rallying to help fund this dog's facelift
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

Gang of dogs in Russia steal woman's groceries
Gang of dogs in Russia steal woman's groceries

Singer lulls puppy to sleep with a capella Christmas tune
Singer lulls puppy to sleep with a capella Christmas tune


Recommended For You
The internet is rooting for this abandoned baby monkey and his stuffed animal
a baby Japanese macaque monkey

Snapchat adds Arrival Notifications to help users feel safer
Phone screen showing the Snap Map on a yellow background.

Snapchat is testing creator subscriptions, giving top creators a new direct revenue stream
the Snapchat logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen

How to watch Newcastle United vs. Man City online for free
Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates

How to watch Bodo/Glimt vs. Man City online for free
Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!