Oil spill penguin released at Mount (+video)

The little blue penguin named after the oil spill it was caught in has been released at Mount Maunganui this morning.

The penguin was being rehabilitated at the Oropi Native Bird Sanctuary after being covered in oil from the April 28 spill in Tauranga Harbour.

Chrissy Jefferson, who runs the sanctuary, said he was "100 per cent covered"when he arrived for help and needed to be cleaned four times before a rigorous rinsing process.

Mobil One makes a dash for freedom.

A small group gathered on the beach at the base of the Mount where Mobil One and two other penguins were fed by Mrs Jefferson one last time and then released into the ocean.

Local iwi, tangata te whenua, Bay of Plenty Region Council and Doc were there for the release.

Mobil one runs into the water. Photo/Ruth Keber

Mobil One quickly darted into the water when he was first put down on the sand and was quickly followed by the two other penguins.

Check out our video above of the little blue penguin at his release or mobile and app users click here.