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These Magellan penguins are being prepared to head back into the wild after they were washed up on the beaches of north-eastern Brazil. Hundreds of the birds have been stranded since June. Many died despite the best efforts of animal experts to save them. Only 50 have recovered fully enough to be released after rehabilitation at Rio de Janeiro zoo. SOUNDBITE: Andre Sena, vet, saying (Portuguese): "They undergo rehabilitation here at the zoo to gain weight and have their injuries treated. Later they are taken south to be released into the Malvinas current which should take them to the Straits of Magellan where they originally came from." It's not clear why so many penguins have been washed up in Brazil. Biologists believe unusually strong ocean currents may have pulled the birds off course. Others suggest overfishing near Patagonia and Antarctica may be forcing them to swim further afield in search of food. Paul Chapman, Reuters