Two British tourists who broke into a Australian theme park and stole a penguin following a drunken night out have each been fined 1,000 Australian dollars (£637).
Rhys Owen Jones, 21, and Keri Mules, 20, appeared before magistrates in Brisbane today and pleaded guilty to trespassing, stealing and keeping a protected animal, Australia's Department of Justice said.
The two friends from south Wales were arrested after breaking into Sea World on Queensland's Gold Coast during an alcohol-fuelled escapade on April 14.
They also swam with dolphins and let off a fire extinguisher in a shark enclosure whilst filming the footage on their mobile phones, according to AAP news agency.
Jones, reported to be a former British Royal Marine and Mules, reported to be a bricklayer, were in Australia on a working holiday visa when the incident took place.
They snuck into the animal park along with Australian James Vasilj, 18, after drinking 1.5 litres of vodka between them at a beach party, AAP said.
The two Welshmen then snatched a fairy penguin called Dirk from an aquarium before waking up with the flightless bird in their apartment the following day.
The friends' legal representative told Southport Magistrates' court they meant no harm to the animal and tried to care for it by feeding and putting it in the shower when they woke up with hangovers.
They later released Dirk into a canal, but were spotted by locals who reported them to police
The seven-year-old bird was later rescued and returned to Sea World unharmed before it was reunited with girlfriend Peaches.
Magistrate Brian Kucks was told the tourists' actions were immature and stupid, but there was no malice involved.
He also heard how they had written a letter of apology to Sea World and the Australian public and how they deeply regretted their actions.
Mr Kucks accepted an appeal not to record convictions against the pair and fined them 1000 Australian dollars each.
AAP quoted him saying: "You could have found yourselves in a morgue if you'd gone into the wrong enclosure. Perhaps next time you are at a party you will consider drinking a little less vodka."
Vasilj, who is facing a single charge of trespassing, had his case adjourned to June 27.