Penguin Rescue Update

3 days old

​Hello friends and family
Sunday was okay in the morning, so Maria and I did the rounds. We found the first chick of the season! We also saw a new Juvie at Kevin’s bush which was great. In the afternoon, the drizzle arrived. Maria headed home early on Monday morning and then the rain arrived, we got 38mm all up which was great, but it also got very cold, down to 2oC. We were treated to the biggest snowfall of the year on the foothills.

Snow on the hill behind Oamaru

​The team came out on Tuesday to see 2 chicks, and we set up the roster for monitoring the tiny chicks. One person will come out each day as it is easier for the penguins if there is 2 of us – one to hold the adult and 1 to check the chicks. They had their 3 days check on Wednesday morning and were both fine.

A Chick and a pip

​Fast forward to yesterday. We now have 13 good looking chicks and a few pipping. The single males are wanting to have their own chicks and are disturbing the breeders. We give dummy eggs to any that make nests, but there are a few who don’t and they are a problem. The lucky birds who get a chick insist on crowing when their chicks hatch which is not helpful!

the guilt is showing in the bright pink feet!

Nasty November has arrived and with it, it brings death to wee penguin babies. All we can do is remain vigilant, monitor daily and catch disease before it gets bad.
Have a great week!
Rosalie