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)
APPLICATIONS CLOSED. The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is happy to announce a search for an Emerging Leader to serve on the Trust Board. You will be a full voting and participating trustee on a special one-year term from the date of appointment. Our goal is to bring a fresh and different perspective to our Board and...Continue
We are pleased to announce details for the 2022 Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Annual Meeting. Held via Zoom: Tuesday 22 March 2021 at 6:30pm Level 1, John Wickliffe House 265 Princes Street, Dunedin All welcome – we invite you to join us via Zoom. Please contact generalmanager@yeptrust.org.nz to register. We look forward to...Continue
Current Vacancy: Ranger (full time, fixed term) The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is excited to advertise a new vacancy in our team. We are looking forward to receiving applications from conservation-minded people to join our team as a Ranger on a one-year contract. This person will work on the frontline on our coastal habitat conservation and...Continue
For seasonal management purposes, Tavora Reserve (Bobby’s Head), near Palmerston will be closed until 28 February 2022. 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...Continue
Words from Alejandro Simeone, Juliana Vianna and Guillermo Luna-Jorquera, the Local Organising Committee for the 11th International Penguin Congress to be held in Chile 2023....Continue
APPLICATIONS CLOSED Current vacancies: 2x Rangers (1x 40 hours per week, 1x 20 hours per week) The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust’s / Te Tautiaki Hoiho work involves the conservation of coastal ecosystems that include yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho breeding habitats. It has protected hoiho habitats along the Otago and Southland coastlines by establishing penguin reserves, providing...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!