Concerns over penguin safety remains
A penguin protection group says unsafe driving on Timaru’s Marine Parade is still an issue as authorities continue to try and piece together the sequence of events leading up to the death of one of the birds.
Timaru Penguins co-ordinator Peter Bennett, who described the little blue penguin’s killing by a passing car on December 8 as deliberate, claimed driving behaviour on Marine Pde had not improved since the death.
‘‘A couple of people decided to have a race on Friday night, then a couple more decided to park in the middle of the road, then everyone races around them,’’ Bennett said.
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Senior Sergeant Anthony Callon, of Timaru, said while it wasn’t an area they patrolled a lot, it would be monitored more as the holiday season approaches.
‘‘Certainly when there’s more people down there during summer we will be monitoring it,’’ Callon said.
Injuring or harassing penguins, which are protected under the Wildlife Act, can result in up to two years’ jail, fines of up to $100,000, or both.
Bennett, who wants the speeds limits lowered in the area, said he wants a decision made by authorities so safety could be improved. Marine Pde currently has a 50kmh limit. He said flashing signs to warn people was another good option.
Forest and Bird launched a petition the day after the alleged incident for road safety improvements to be made on Marine Pde. By Monday afternoon, it had received nearly 1400 signatures.
Forest and Bird South Canterbury branch committee member Kimberley Collins met with Timaru District mayor Damon Odey and PrimePort chief executive Phil Melhopt last Wednesday to discuss issues around the penguin colony.
A Department of Conservation (DOC) spokesman said its investigation into the death of the penguin was continuing, and they were working with PrimePort, who were continuing to review CCTV footage.
Bennett said it was hard to ascertain whether the killed penguin had a nest. He said one adult penguin would not have been able to support sitting on eggs.
‘‘ I think the most pleasing thing is there was no noise coming from out of there at all. The volunteers were listening during the week.’’