Local wildlife experts are spending their Christmas break rehabilitating little blue penguins that are washing ashore weak and starving on the beaches of the Bay of Plenty.
This season's fledglings are being found hypothermic and emaciated, much to the concern of Western Bay Wildlife Trust. 'This is likely due to La Niña conditions, which can lead to warmer sea surface temperatures and more frequent storm events,” says the trust's kororā and mortality research project manager Melissa McLuskie.
Challenging conditions
'Stormy seas are just making it harder and the young ones need good conditions to thrive.
'Little blue penguins already have a high mortality rate and these extra challenging conditions can make it hard for vulnerable birds like fledglings heading out to sea for the first time or birds that have not gained sufficient weight before undertaking their annual moult.”
Western Bay Wildlife Trust monitors seabirds and shorebirds in Mount Maunganui, and offer a rescue service for the WBOP for penguins.
Anyone rescuing a sick little blue penguin from a beach may assume the best thing is to take the penguin home and put it into a tub of water or the bath – but Melissa says this can cause a lot of stress and make them even more hypothermic.
Call for advice
'If you spot a penguin on the beach or during the day or trying to come ashore, please give it space and call 0800 SICK PENGUIN or 0800 DOC HOT for further advice. Do not attempt to put it back in the water or offer any food or water.
'Wait with the bird until further advice, and please keep dogs and people away.”
Melissa is caring for two sibling birds. 'We found them while doing our routine nest monitoring and check health-checks before they fledge. They had lesions on their flippers, legs and bill. We're getting them swim-ready and hope to release them this week.” To help support the rehabilitation of little blue penguins, people are encouraged to donate at: www.westernbaywildlife.nz/donate