New safe haven for NZ's little penguins
27 Aug 2009
The world’s smallest penguins are about to be given a big hand up with their own VIP - very important penguin - nesting area at EcoWorld in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds.
The little blue penguins, a New Zealand native, will be free to come and go from Picton’s EcoWorld Aquarium and Terranium but can nest in safety away from the threat of predators and other dangers.
While the small penguins aren’t uncommon in the Marlborough Sounds, the species is in decline and the EcoWorld colony will not only provide safety but also an added attraction for visitors.
Safety net and nests
EcoWorld sits on Picton’s foreshore next to the South Island’s inter-island ferry wharf - the arrival and departure port for boat travel between the South and North Islands.
Little blue penguins are known to nest under the main wharf despite the danger of marine traffic. The small penguins also nest under baches (holiday homes) and jetties, and are seen in the water throughout the Marlborough Sounds.
EcoWorld will provide safe nesting boxes out of reach of predators like dogs but will also mean the penguins can come and go at their will. The colony will also provide a safe place to re-house and rehabilitate injured penguins.
Work has begun on a the special penguin nesting zone and EcoWorld manager Regan Russell says he’s just like an expectant father awaiting the pitter patter of tiny feet in anticipation of the penguins arrival in the next few months.
Nuisance penguins
As well as natural predators, there was sometimes conflict between man and penguin, and EcoWorld was hoping to help with the relocation of "nuisance" penguins, Russell said.
Bach owners were not always keen to have penguins nesting under their homes because of their smell and nocturnal habits.
"If you’ve ever heard a penguin in the middle of the night you’ll know the screaming noise they make - it sounds like someone’s being attacked," Russell said.
EcoWorld expansion
EcoWorld is working with the Department of Conservation, Port Marlborough and the SPCA to gain expert knowledge for the penguin project, and work should be completed within the next few weeks in preparation for the first arrivals.
Nesting boxes will be equipped with remote cameras, and it is hoped the colony will provide conservation and education value for visitors to the aquarium and terrarium.
EcoWorld is currently also awaiting the introduction of more native species including kakariki, or red crowned parakeet, to its expanding collection.
Already New Zealand tuatara, native ghekos and giant weta have become new attractions to the Picton aquarium which features seahorses and a pipefish grotto, giant squid display, turtles, frogs, rock pools, freshwater species and a main marine tank and ‘shallows’ feature.
More information:
Bird conservation in New Zealand
Marlborough region
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