This is the moment animal activists release a group of rescued penguins into the sea after being lost or stranded during migration.

Videos captured by the non-governmental organization R3animal show 14 Magellanic penguins being set free at Mocambique Beach in Florianopolis, Brazil, on October 23.

The organization reportedly released 58 Magellanic penguins back into the sea during the 2024 migration season.

R3animal said: 'These adventurous animals had washed up on the beaches of Santa Catarina during the penguins' migration season, which typically runs from May to October, and were rescued by various PMP-BS partner institutions.

'R3animal, which oversees the project on the island of Florianopolis, is responsible for the rehabilitation, final treatment, and release of these animals.'

'The rehabilitation phase includes weight gain, hydration, medication, temperature regulation using heaters - many penguins are found hypothermic - and pool therapy to improve physical conditioning.

'After all, thousands of kilometres of ocean await them.

'The release is the final stage of a successful effort involving the dedication of various professionals, including field technicians and monitors, vets, biologists, and animal caregivers.

'Since penguins are social animals, it's ideal for releases to happen in groups of at least 10 penguins.

'The first release of the season took place on August 8, when 15 animals returned to nature. Since then, R3animal has conducted three more releases.'

Magellanic penguins are named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew first spotted them in 1520. They hunt for food in flocks and join larger colonies on land during the breeding season. In the wild, they typically live for an average of 25 years.