New Zealand Penguins

The kororā/little penguin is the smallest of all of the world’s 18 penguin species, and it’s a species we care for at Auckland Zoo and in the wild.  

Native to Aotearoa, these penguins weigh around 1kg and stand at just 25cm tall. These penguins are speedy swimmers. With streamlined bodies and strong flippers, they can dive over 35 metres, reach speeds of 6km/h and hold their breath for up to two minutes while chasing small fish, squid, and crustaceans. 

We care for kororā in the wild with regular fieldwork on the West Coast (Karekare, Piha and Te Henga / Bethells Beach) of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, helping to identify where kororā are breeding, monitor population trends and breeding successes, and understand threats to the wild population.  

Our bird and veterinary kaimahi/staff also venture to Dunedin each year to assist with hand-rearing and treating vulnerable hoiho / yellow-eyed penguin chicks. This endemic species is severely impacted by two serious diseases in the wild - Diphtheritic stomatitis (DS) and Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Newly hatched chicks and/or eggs are collected and brought to the Wildlife Hospital in Dunedin for care and treatment. Prior to these interventions roughly 30% of hoiho naturally survived to fledging, while the chicks that come through the hospital have an over 90% survival rate! 

Read these stories to learn about the threats penguins face in New Zealand and what Kiwis can do to help.