Sunday 16th April 2023

let us out!

​Hello friends and family.
Disaster was averted this week when the fish arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday. We were down to one box left in the freezer and now, with all 80 boxes here we are set for the next month. 

beautiful Hebe

​On Sunday evening, Jan and I picked up a moulting female Hoiho at Moeraki – only 4.4kgs and yet to moult. She was from the Catlins. On Tuesday we got Mrs 6 who was a respectable 6kg but not enough to moult.

the last failed fledgling - off to sea this week!

​The rain arrived. Fortunately, not as much as predicted. I did the Toptip on Wednesday morning, pleased to get there on time with a carload of fish boxes and now that we can recycle soft plastic, 3 bags of fish bags! Robbie went down to the Dunedin wildlife hospital to pick up Mr 5 who had had his leg slashed. We are pleased to have him home.  I was able to get gear dry for the next round on Thursday

rain brings fungi

​We had a full team of 6 on Thursday, braving the rain, hoping to see another needy penguin but having to settle for releasing 4 and enjoying seeing the newly moulted ones in their nest boxes. Sadly, we also found Mr 126 dead at the Moeraki colony. He had been released 10 days before.
This penguin was sponsored as Mr Paddles. He hatched in 2006 and had raised 8 chicks, the last 2 fledged naturally this season. He had been in rehab 6 times. The first 2 times he was injured. After that he was underweight to moult 4 times.

welcome home

On Friday I went to town and was surprised to see that autumn had arrived in all its glory! It is very picturesque driving from here to Oamaru. Hiltrun came up yesterday and I walked the coast. We are down to 20 penguins in care with more to be released this week.
Have a great week!
Rosalie