Penguins
About the yellow-eyed penguin
The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is a long established non-governmental organisation with a specific focus on the conservation of hoiho across its range.
We ensure the survival of hoiho by managing birds and their habitat, and addressing impacts in the marine and terrestrial environments.
The yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho Megadyptes antipodes
Status: nationally endangered (NZ classification 2016)
The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust and the West Coast Penguin Trust have teamed up to bring you these stunning behind the scenes fundraising tours, led by the hugely experienced Nature Quest, for our supporters. Two trips are planned, departing from Nelson on 3rd and 16th September and have optional extensions through the Catlins and to Stewart Island. Whichever...Continue
Story first published on the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai website on 09 March 2021 The moult season (February to April) is a crucial and stressful time for New Zealand’s cherished penguins, but our actions can make all the difference, says DOC. ...Continue
We are pleased to announce the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday 23rd of March 2021. If you are unable to attend in person, please contact generalmanager@yeptrust.org.nz to register and join us through Zoom. All are welcome – we look forward to seeing you. Agenda: Apologies Minutes of 2020 Annual Meeting...Continue
In recent years there has been a steady decline in the use of cheques throughout New Zealand with many government organisations and larger banks having already announced their plans to stop issuing and receiving cheques. 25 June 2021 is the last day major banks will accept cheques. Some smaller banks have already gone cheque-free. If...Continue
In 1993 the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust secured this land for the purpose of improving and enhancing the breeding habitat for yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho present. At the time of purchase there were very low natural values remaining. Intensive farming practices over the past decades had destroyed much of the natural vegetation. Following a severe predation episode and...Continue
Time: 9am – 4pm Date: Saturday 1st August 2020 Venue: Archway 2 Lecture Theatre Archway Building on the corner of Union Street East and Leith Walk University of Otago, Dunedin (map can be found here) During the day there will be time for all groups who wish to have an opportunity to report on what they have done...Continue
Of the yellow-eyed penguin
Two greenish-white eggs, about 75×55 mm in size, are laid. Both parents share the incubation, which takes about 43 days.
Two greenish-white eggs, about 75×55 mm in size, are laid. Both parents share the incubation, which takes about 43 days.
The eggs hatch and the guard stage begins. This is a 40-50 day period when one parent stays at the nest while the other fishes. Although guarded constantly during this stage, the chicks are still vulnerable to predators.
The guard stage is a 40-50 day period when one parent stays at the nest while the other fishes. Although guarded constantly during this stage, the chicks are still vulnerable to predators.
By the time chicks are 6-7 weeks old, both parents must fish each day to satisfy the voracious appetites of their demanding young. This is the post-guard stage and towards the end the chicks will start to lose their soft brown down.
The chicks fledge into their waterproof plumage and go to sea, an extremely hazardous time, with fewer than 20% surviving to maturity.
The parents have just a few weeks to recover and put on weight before beginning the annual moult. They are confined to land whilst they wait for their old feather coat to be replaced.
The parents have just a few weeks to recover and put on weight before beginning the annual moult. They are confined to land whilst they wait for their old feather coat to be replaced.
The penguins head out to sea but return every night to sleep, preen and socialise. Soon it will be August and the busy breeding season will begin again. About 50% of surviving juveniles will return to breed at the place where they were hatched.
The penguins head out to sea but return every night to sleep, preen and socialise. Soon it will be August and the busy breeding season will begin again. About 50% of surviving juveniles will return to breed at the place where they were hatched.
The penguins head out to sea but return every night to sleep, preen and socialise. Soon it will be August and the busy breeding season will begin again. About 50% of surviving juveniles will return to breed at the place where they were hatched.
The 28-week breeding season begins when partnerships are formed or renewed, and nest sites selected. A suitable nest site must be hidden from other breeding pairs, have a solid back such as a log, rock or flax plant, and provide shelter from harsh weather and the heat of the sun.
You’re now officially signed up as a yellow-eyed penguin supporter!