Wellington Zoo urges community to ‘Take a Lead’

The world’s smallest penguin is in decline, but Wellingtonians can help make a difference. While the sunny weather has seen people flock to beaches and natural spaces, Wellington Zoo is making one small request that could make a big impact for wildlife – keep your dog on a lead.

“Research shows that dogs pose the biggest threat to Kororā Little Blue Penguins, and we see this first hand with patients at The Nest Te Kōhanga,” said Amanda Tiffin, Veterinary Practice Manager at Wellington Zoo’s The Nest Te Kōhanga. “We’re currently nursing one Kororā back to health after it suffered injuries in a dog attack, and it’s just one of several that we’ve seen over the last year.”

While the Veterinary Team are experts in providing care for native species like Kororā, the community can help prevent these injuries by keeping dogs on a lead while they’re out enjoying Wellington’s natural spaces.

“Saving native wildlife is a crucial part of the work we do here at The Nest Te Kōhanga, and returning native animals back to the wild is an important part of our conservation work,” said Tiffin. “We were able to release another Kororā back to the wild on Saturday after it had arrived emaciated and weak. We’re working to make sure that other Kororā don’t run the risk of running into dogs that are not kept on leads – as dogs will follow their natural instincts to sniff out the strong smelling birds.”

Four Kororā that have been rescued by The Nest Te Kōhanga now reside at Wellington Zoo in a custom-designed habitat in the Zoo’s newest experience, Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha. While vets were able to save them, the injuries each Kororā had sustained meant that they would not be able to fend for themselves in the wild.

“Hundreds of Kororā call Wellington home, but lots of people don’t actually know about them or see them,” said Daniela Biaggio, Wellington Zoo Conservation Manager. “The Kororā that live here at the Zoo help our visitors connect with our local wildlife and learn about what makes them unique, as well as showing how we work to save Kororā in the wild.”

“At Wellington Zoo we partner with Forest & Bird’s Wellington Branch on the Places for Penguins project that provides safe nest boxes,” said Biaggio. “Along with other volunteers, we also monitor the local Penguin population. We’re all working together to make sure Kororā thrive in our capital city.”

Find out more about Places for Penguins at www.forestandbird.org.nz/places-for-penguins.

ENDS

© Scoop Media