The paralysed penguin that graced the pages of The Weekend Sun earlier this month is not so paralysed anymore.

Flipper the baby blue penguin. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

He's regained the use of his legs and flippers – but he's very skinny.

Massey University's wildlife specialist veterinarians have advised he needs to put on a bit more weight.

Flipper the baby blue penguin was found bedraggled and bewildered and partially paralysed on Maketu beach about three weeks ago. Beachgoers alerted the Department of Conservation, who brought him to the caring, expert hands of Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Wildlife Trust.

He was due to be released on January 15 – but he needs fattening up.

ARRC director Dr Liza Schneider bets Flipper isn't complaining.

'He's been making excellent progress and has grown stronger every day. Since he's regained the use of his legs and flippers, he's loved diving around in the water and chasing the fish that we feed him.

'Initially he was pooped after a couple of minutes of this, but his endurance has improved tremendously.”

Liza says the extra time will definitely help to improve his chances for long-term survival.

But despite his excellent progress, Flipper has been rather lazy about preening himself, says Liza.

'It's a big concern as this is very important to make sure his feathers are fully waterproofed when he's released.

'Sometimes penguin's feathers become damaged if they're not properly waterproofed and they may suffer from hypothermia.”

Flipper has now been transferred to Mauao Area Wildlife Trust, where an expert team will ensure the penguin is fully waterproofed before release.