Sunday 16th December 2018

a lucky penguin chick with food in its belly

​Hello friends and family.
I was pleased that I did not say anything controversial on TVNZ 1 on Sunday night. I was interviewed for an hour and a half, for a 3-sentence segment – Then completely ignored by the panelists who continue to advocate exploitation to the last attraction standing! They compare us with Iceland. This is one response to global warming!

Our latest fund raiser - let us know if you want any.

​Never mind! On Monday I was well supported at the Kiwi Bank local hero awards by Elaine and the Anglins who came along to the ceremony. Having the Great Dane there was a welcome diversion.
On Tuesday Jan and I weighed all of the post-guard chicks. The parents are both going fishing very early in the chick’s life and we found two more very thin chicks that have come into care. At this stage we have 8 chicks, all safe from harm and eating well.

Whistling frogs are back in the garden

​Wednesday was my day to do as little as possible. It rained until mid-afternoon, so I had a good excuse. On Thursday we picked up another 2 skinny chicks, but the rest are gaining weight. We also weighed all of the hospital chicks and they too are getting heavier and are active. There was a cruise ship off Moeraki – some patrons were ferried into Moeraki – to Fleurs we presume.

a sad hungry penguin chick

By Saturday the worst of the starvation event seemed to be over and we saw penguin chicks with food in their bellies – thank goodness! Unfortunately, we have a missing chick and a tiny one that is only ½ the weight it should be and has bald patches too. Still, all 53 chicks are still alive.
My faith in humanity was restored this week by a donation from the Hugo Trust. It is heartening to know others care for penguins too.
Have a great week!
Rosalie
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