Argentina is a land of contrasts and perhaps the biggest surprise to those who visit its diverse shores is that it is home to a large number of penguins.

Patagonia, located on the southernmost tip of Argentina and Chile, lies just a stone's throw from Antarctica and sees these magnificent birds flourish in huge numbers.

Just this week, 163 Magellanic penguins were returned to the icy waters having spent the last few months being cleaned by conservationists after an oil spill in the region.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and local environmental group Fundacion Patagonia Natural (FPN) also successfully rescued and released hundreds of other birds who were affected by the incident.

IFAW manager Ian Robinson said: "Through good teamwork between IFAW and FPN, and strong government support, we are delighted to be able to return so many birds to the wild, which otherwise would have died.

"This combined effort not only saved affected birds from suffering, but also helps the conservation of their species."

Last month, the Guardian newspaper named Patagonia in its list of the top 100 most romantic places for couples to visit.

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