16 wild kororā admitted in 32 days

In just 32 days, 16 wild kororā were admitted to our vet hospital.

Every kororā (little penguin) patient that arrived had different veterinary needs. Some were found sick or injured by members of the public, others were rescued by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and some were transferred to us from bird rescues.

Many have sustained fractures or severe trauma to their flippers, leaving them unable to swim and causing them to become stranded. Other kororā have presented with injuries, including one individual requiring treatment for a damaged eye. A significant number of young chicks have arrived emaciated and malnourished, all in urgent need of veterinary care.  

Once they arrive and after they are stabilised, each penguin undergoes a thorough health assessment. This includes a physical examination and x-rays to check for internal injuries. Sadly, the majority of these manu were in such critical condition that euthanasia is the most humane option to prevent further suffering. 

Of the surviving penguins currently in care, many have been deemed non-releasable due to the severity of their injuries. This includes penguins that have sustained flipper damage, requiring surgery to remove exposed bone fragments, while others have suffered injuries that reduce their ability to hunt effectively in the wild.

Those that can recover will spend time undergoing rehabilitation and will eventually be rehomed to organisations that care for penguins in New Zealand.

“While we have had an influx of kororā patients in the past, we don’t know for certain why we’ve had so many penguins coming in at once or the exact cause of their injuries. However, flipper injuries could be due to dog attacks on the beach, predatory fish bites, or even boat strikes. Some of the younger ones may have struggled to find food, and ended up washing ashore malnourished and weak," explains Clinical Coordinator Mikaylie.  

With so many wild penguins coming into care, our veterinary team have been working tirelessly to provide the best possible treatment. The recovery time for each patient varies depending on their injuries, but the goal remains the same - to get them healthy, well and fit for release whenever possible.

Today is #WorldWildlifeDay so we’re sharing this message to encourage everyone to do what they can to protect wild kororā. In urban areas, dogs are one of their biggest threats – and the best thing you can do is keep them on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash area. If you’re out on the boat, please ensure all of your fishing gear, like hooks and lines, are taken with you and dispose of rubbish responsibly. If you spot a sick or injured kororā, call our partners at the Department of Conservation on 0800 DOC HOT so they can send expert help.