Sunday 21st February 2021

A Royal penguin

​Hello friends and family,
We have our first Crested penguin in care – I am not sure yet what it is, it has been pecked on the head by gulls so is now here, safe from predation and making good progress. We have also relocated several moulting, Yellow-eyed penguins. 

ready to go

​The first batch of chicks in soft release have gone – they went on Tuesday, which was a fine day, and the sea was calm. On Tuesday we picked up a penguin with a slashed leg and Robbie drove it straight to the Wildlife hospital in Dunedin. In the afternoon we went to the Bluffs and found 2 of our Juveniles have moved there so we are pleased that they are safe.
This was Dom’s last week with us. He spent it working with Patrick to clean up fallen trees in the reserve. He has had many new experiences while he has been here. Thank you, Dom for all your work. 

Royal accomodation

​The family arrived on Wednesday evening and they had called in to Genius homes in Timaru to see the new house. One of the extras that I had asked for was a hand basin in the toilet – that was pre-COVID and I think more people will want to see that feature now.

Lake Pukaki

On Friday we went to Riverstone to celebrate my birthday and Pamela, Jen and Olivia visited the castle – they loved it! Yesterday we drove up to lake Pukaki and cycled the north bank which is the start of the Alps 2 ocean bike trail. We rode for 31 Kms and today they are doing the lake Ohau leg that I have done already so I have come home to feed the penguins. The weather was a gift – clear skies, no wind and 30 degrees. I loved it. What will next week bring!
Have a great week!
Rosalie
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