An emperor penguin swam approximately 2,100 miles from Antarctica to western Australia in what scientists believe is the longest journey ever recorded for the species.

The penguin was first spotted by a surfer in the small coastal town of Denmark, who initially thought he had noticed a sea bird exiting the water, before realising the creature was “way bigger”.

“We [were] like, ‘What is that thing coming out of the water?’ And it had a tail sticking out like a duck,” said Aaron Flower.

The bird made its way out of the sea and waddled over to the group of surfers, Mr Fowler told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “He was not shy at all,” he added.