Sunday 9th February 2020

A juvenile Erect Crested penguin

​Hello friend and family.
Monday was another red-letter day as we welcomed sponsorship from L J Hooker, Oamaru and an Erect Crested Penguin, a White-flippered fledgling and Amy from Kelly Tarlton’s in Auckland. Amy works with penguins at Kelly’s and has come down here in her holidays to work with wild penguins. She has much to share and we are so happy to have her helping us for this week.

Swallows on the gate

​It was also special because we got a phone call from DOC in Dunedin offering help and support. Our decision to bring in the chicks was questioned which is exactly as it should be. We did not take the decision lightly and welcome debate. How else can we all learn! On Tuesday the trapped ferret count was up to 11. Case closed.

The fiordland crested who will be released on Friday

​The rest of the week was very busy, with 5 penguins coming in on Thursday and no fish delivery on Friday. I had waited 8 days already for more fish and had to ask Penguin Place, once again to help tide us over. Thank goodness for their support and generosity. They provided us with 150kg of penguin fish which will hopefully see us through until the salmon smooth arrives.

The Sasha memorial tree

---

​Needless to say, by yesterday I was in a right tizzy! So much so, I managed to flood the house by leaving the tap on in the bath where I was trying to defrost fish – all the while a gale was blowing!
The team stepped up in great style and all penguins are fed and content. I will have to wear my crocs up the hall for a few days.

The Barracouta have arrived

Have a great week!
Rosalie
​