At this New Zealand rehabilitation center, the “patients” aren’t humans – they’re penguins

Rehabilitating New Zealand’s yellow-eyed penguins is a challenging yet crucial task undertaken by dedicated conservationists. Known locally as hoiho, these penguins are the largest species residing and breeding on the country’s mainland. Despite their charming appearance, they are described as sassy, hardy, and occasionally vicious by those working closely with them, such as Jason van Zanten, the conservation manager at Penguin Place in the Otago Peninsula.

The yellow-eyed penguin population has faced a dramatic decline over the past three decades, primarily due to increased threats from predators, climate change, and disease. The current estimate suggests only around 3,000 mature individuals are left in the wild, making them one of the most endangered penguin species globally. The urgency to save this species has led to the establishment of specialized facilities like Penguin Place and The Wildlife Hospital in Dunedin.

Penguin Place, founded in 1985 by local farmer Howard McGrouther, serves as a refuge for sick and starving birds, with a primary focus on yellow-eyed penguins. The center covers approximately 150 acres and provides a safe haven for these birds to rest and recuperate. Despite being funded mainly by tourism, the center faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting government support through the Department of Conservation.

A significant threat to the hoiho population is starvation, with nearly 80% of penguins arriving at Penguin Place underweight. Commercial fishing has reduced the availability of their primary food sources, and climate change has altered the distribution of prey. Additionally, environmental issues such as toxic algae blooms and water pollution have impacted their habitat. Rising temperatures on land have caused stress and overheating in these “fat and heavily feathered” penguins.

The Wildlife Hospital, Dunedin, plays a vital role in treating yellow-eyed penguins with serious injuries and diseases. Hoiho face threats from mammals on land, including dogs and stoats, while in the water, sharks and barracouta inflict injuries. Diseases like avian malaria, dermatitis, and avian diphtheria further contribute to their declining numbers. A mysterious disease, tentatively named “red lung,” has emerged in recent years, causing respiratory problems in hoiho chicks.

Conservationists like Lisa Argilla, a senior wildlife vet at The Wildlife Hospital, are working to address these challenges. Hand-rearing chicks at the hospital has become a preventive measure against the mysterious disease, offering hope for their survival. Penguins that receive treatment at The Wildlife Hospital are later sent to Penguin Place for recovery before being released back into the wild.

Penguin Place employs an intensive feeding program to rehabilitate hoiho, with most birds staying for about two weeks before returning to their natural habitat. The center’s success rate is impressive, with over 95% of the birds released back into the wild. Jason van Zanten expresses optimism about the species bouncing back, and the interventions by dedicated conservationists offer a lifeline for the critically endangered yellow-eyed penguins.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Penguin Place, The Wildlife Hospital, and passionate conservationists aim to secure the future of New Zealand’s yellow-eyed penguins. These initiatives, driven by a hands-on approach to conservation, play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of this unique and endangered species on the mainland.