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)
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
Dear supporters of hoiho The New Zealand Government has declared the country as Level 4 due to Covid-19, and we are all in lockdown. However, as I write this from my own bubble at home, I wanted to let you all know that the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is operating as an essential service. Only our...Continue
We are pleased to announce the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th of March 2020. Time: 6:00pm Venue:Level 1, John Wickliffe House, 265 Princes Street Dunedin Agenda as follows: Apologies Minutes of 2019 Annual Meeting Annual Report Financial Report General Business Election of Trustees We look forward to seeing you....Continue
The recently crowned Bird of the Year, the hoiho/yellow eyed penguin, is getting a much needed helping hand alongside more than 168 other community conservation projects announced Minister for Conservation Eugenie Sage today. 168 community conservation projects throughout New Zealand are benefiting from $8 million in government grants, including $500,000 to three Otago projects supporting...Continue
Great to see hoiho continuing to make the headlines and the call for assistance to everyone involved. Thanks ODT Editor. www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/penguin-protection...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!