Penguin returns to wild
A korora¯ (little penguin) has been given a second chance at life after it was found injured and dehydrated in Hawke’s Bay last year.
The young female penguin was found at Ocean Beach in August, with a fractured and swollen flipper, and suffering severe weight loss.
It was brought to the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier and later transported to Wildbase Hospital at Massey University in Palmerston North.
The Wildbase team operated on the penguin’s injured flipper, which took four weeks to heal. It was then able to start swimming and was transferred to an outdoor aviary and pool at Wildbase’s rehabilitation centre.
The surgery required feathers to be plucked from the penguin’s shoulder, leaving a large bald patch, meaning before release, it needed to complete its annual moult to replace the feathers, as well as pass fitness tests. It was successful in both and was ready to go back to the wild six months later.
Pauline Nijman, Wildbase Hospital and recovery supervisor said the National Aquarium’s native residents often needed their specialised skills and knowledge.
‘‘We are very proud to support the aquarium’s work ... We hope this penguin will thrive in the wild after getting off to a shaky start.’’
National Aquarium staff released the
penguin to the Napier Port sanctuary on Thursday, where the penguin was placed into a nesting box on land to give it a quiet safe space to get used to.
‘‘This young penguin is now in great condition to return to the wild. The korora¯ sanctuary at Napier Port is the perfect place to get started as it is free from predators and human disturbance,’’ said Joe Woolcott, general curator at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
‘‘It is a great outcome and wonderful to share this moment with other passionate individuals from dedicated organisations working together for this species.’’