In a world where loyalty often feels fleeting, a penguin’s 5,000-mile swim back to the man who saved him is proof that the deepest connections transcend species.
João, a humble fisherman from Brazil, never imagined the tiny, oil-covered penguin he rescued would become his lifelong, feathered friend.
But every year, Dindim shows up to prove him wrong.
I rank “Dindim the Penguin” #5 in my list of “Documentaries Like My Octopus Teacher” (up to 7!)
Thanks to Rick Norman who told me that the “My Penguin Friend” movie is based on a true story. That led me to dig into the true story.
Enjoy!
Watch “Dindim the Penguin”
Here’s the Wall Street Journal video:
And here’s one video on Dindim in Portuguese:
Ratings:
- My Rating: 92/100
- IMDB Rating: na
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: na
Release Date: 2016
The Story of Dindim (aka Jinjing) the Penguin & João the Fisherman
This is the incredible story of a penguin who swims 5,000 miles every year to reunite with the man who saved him.
Dindim, a South American Magellanic penguin, was rescued by 71-year-old João Pereira de Souza, a retired bricklayer and part-time fisherman living in a small village outside Rio de Janeiro.
The story begins in March 2011, when João found Dindim, oil-soaked and lying on rocks near his shanty on a beach.
The penguin was close to death, barely able to move.
Without hesitation, João cleaned the oil off Dindim’s feathers and fed him a daily diet of fish to build his strength.
He even moved the penguin under his shade tree, nurturing him back to health with fish, persistence, and care.
After weeks of rehabilitation, João released the bird back into the wild, thinking that would be the last he’d see of him.
But Dindim had other plans. Just days after being set free, he returned to João’s home. This was the start of their remarkable friendship, which has continued for years.
Dindim now returns to visit João every June, staying with him until February before heading off to breeding grounds along the coasts of Argentina and Chile.
Dindim’s Name (Versus Jinjing)
Originally, João called the Penguin “Jinjing”. That’s the name used in many of the original viral videos.
But people in the village started to refer to the bird as “Dindim” (another affectionate name for this loyal penguin).
Dindim the name (and penuin) stuck and the movie people behind the 2024 film, “My Penguin Friend”, went with “Dindim” as the penguin’s name.
A Journey Like No Other
Each year, Dindim disappears for months at a time, traveling thousands of miles to mate and live among other Magellanic penguins.
But each year, he comes back to João, navigating a journey that covers 5,000 miles. João often describes their bond as familial.
When Dindim returns, he wags his tail and honks in excitement, as if greeting an old friend.
One of the most heartwarming moments in the story is how Dindim interacts not just with João but also with his dog.
They play, and Dindim often nips at the dog in a playful way. It’s a relationship that has captivated people worldwide.
Dindim/Jinjing Update
Unfortunately, as of 2021, there was growing concern over Dindim’s absence. He hadn’t been seen in over a year.
João continues to wait on the beach, calling out for his penguin companion.
In interviews, João has expressed his sadness but remains hopeful. “I am waiting for you here day and night,” he says, in a video captured in 2020.
He talks to Dindim, offering sardines and reminiscing about the days they spent together.
Here are two videos of that (in Portuguese):
Thanks to Alayne Kay Christian for the 2 videos above
The Bigger Picture
This story has not only captured the attention of the public but has also led to the movie “My Penguin Friend” (released August 16, 2024).
There’s also a children’s book based on the story, An Old Man and His Penguin: How Dindim Made João Pereira de Souza an Honorary Penguin.
It’s written by Alayne Kay Christian and illustrated by Milanka Reardon.
The documentary’s director, João Paulo Krajewski, a nature documentarian, first shared this incredible tale with the world.
His footage of João and Dindim introduced us to a relationship that defies understanding.
However, as Krajewski mentioned in 2021, there are no guarantees about Dindim’s return.
Penguins, after all, are wild animals, and without tracking devices, no one knows exactly what happens when Dindim leaves João’s care.
A Story of Hope and Love
This story has stuck with me for its deep simplicity.
João, a man who barely had anything, saved a life. In return, he found a lifelong friend.
In a world that often feels disconnected, this tale of a man and his penguin reminds us of the bonds that transcend species and geography.
João waits, and we wait with him, holding on to hope that Dindim/Jingjing finds his way back.
Their friendship is more than an animal rescue story—it’s a living testament to loyalty, love, and the power of kindness.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly
Chief Maniac, Daily Doc