With the warmth of spring comes the pitter patter of Little Blue Penguin feet and EcoWorld Aquarium is welcoming the first penguin arrivals with a tinge of sadness. Last week two chicks were rescued after discovering an adult Blue Penguin dead on their nest.
In New Zealand, Korora or Little Blue Penguin (Eudyptula minor), are found all along the coastline and often fall prey to rats, cats, dogs and other introduced predators. These small penguins will return to the same breeding ground every year and with increased coastal development, roads and predators life can be pretty tough.
The population and range of Little Blue Penguins has been declining in areas not protected from predation and the Department of Conservation now ranks them as “Lower risk – near threatened”. EcoWorld manager, Regan Russell states “we have established a safe breeding area with 10 nest boxes and the new penguin chicks are in safe hands getting twice daily feeds of salmon smelt”. Each day the penguins are weighed to check on their progress and it is hoped that they will be released back into the wild around Christmas.
Regan also suggests that if people find an injured or ill Little Blue Penguin that they contact their local DoC office. EcoWorld wish to thank Rosalie Goldsworthy at Kataki Point Penguin Charitable Trust in Otago for all her help and penguin expertise.
