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From our scientist, Hiltrun Ratz, PhD
scientist@penguins.org.nz |
Yes, it does get worse before it gets better. This is a moulting yellow-eyed penguin juvenile about half way through. The new feathers are pushing the old feathers out and they end up looking a little moth-eaten. It won't last long but in the meantime it's sitting tight and letting the process unfold! She got her name from a soft-toy, a favourite of a delightful young lady who has now sponsored two yellow-eyed penguin chicks at our colony. Here Chicky is slowly growing up from being a fluff-ball to a young proper-looking penguin. One day we watched her following mum or dad all the way down to the beach but then lost her nerve and ran back into the colony. She was gone a few days later: this is how they learn where they need to go when it is time to fledge. They follow their parents to the beach and then instinct kicks in and they are gone to big blue. Hopefully she will remember 'her' beach and return if she is trouble and we get a chance to help her out for a second go.
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