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From our scientist, Hiltrun Ratz, PhD
scientist@penguins.org.nz |
Over the last few weeks we have encountered other penguins in our colony but it doesn't always work to get a photo and often we work out who that was only later. So far this season we have found: Little Chang (juvenile), Lola (juvenile) and Jax (adult), as well as already reported Pyne and Pompey (both adults).
our website: www.penguins.org.nz The photo is of a random penguin - none of the above! This pair unfortunately failed to hatch their eggs. They have been sitting faithfully but then gave up and were seen hanging about in the colony. They had a good practice run at incubating which will help them next season. For now they can relax, enjoy the summer and prepare for the moult. Without chicks to feed, they ought to do well provided they don't get injured or catch Malaria!
Like last year we have a chick in this sponsored box and they are the same parents. Just like last year they were one of the last ones to have the eggs so their chick is still quite small but it is growing every day under the watchful eyes of its parents.
This chick is always hiding! Nonetheless it has picked up a kind sponsor now and it has no sibling so here dad is jealously guarding his charge while mum is out at sea fishing.
This is freshly sponsored chick and its mother is Vivek. She laid her eggs last in the colony so her chick is the smallest. They did have two but one did not make it. So Wee Jamie is getting the full attention of its devoted parents. They live at 10 Windsor St.
This is a freshly sponsored juvenile that required a little TLC in our rehab and has picked up a kind sponsor now! It's a female and her mother is Bronn, also sponsored. We were delighted to find her and she has now been released and we'll keep an eye out for her during the moult, in case she needs a little helping hand.
This female was sponsored as a chick and is now 2 years old. She had an older experienced mate but did not lay any eggs. We gave them a dummy to practice with and they did very well. We have now taken it away so that they can enjoy the rest of the summer and maybe next year we will see them again and they have made real eggs.
The chicks are growing so fast now. The family in this sponsored box has two chicks and they are already both micro-chipped as they were over 3kg. When we handle them for this we also take blood to determine whether they have Avian Malaria and one of these two chicks tested positive. We are treating it with medication now and it ought to be just fine.
Hot on Pyne's heels was Pompey needing some rehab as well. She, too is a two-year old and had the chance to breed this season but evidently didn't think she was quite ready. She only stayed for a few days and then was ready to leave again - she let us know by insistent singing when she heard the other penguins calling in the colony. Next year, eh, buddy, how about some eggs?? Until then, take care.
Yes, she is back - and was in need of a little TLC in rehab. A few pills and some salmon and she was again full of beans and climbing the walls - so to speak - in the rehab facility. When they start doing this, we know that they are ready to get back to the colony and more penguin adventures. Hopefully next year she settles down with a handsome boy and makes some eggs.
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