Beachgoers and their dogs are being asked to give the region’s kororā/little blue penguins space when they come ashore to moult.
Kororā adults come ashore between November and March to shed their feathers and grow a new waterproof coat, which takes about two to three weeks. They are especially vulnerable to predation from dogs during their moult, as they cannot swim.
Department of Conservation technical adviser ecology Bruce McKinlay said people need not worry if they see scruffy penguins, but to “keep yourself and your dogs away from them”.
“DoC often gets calls about sick-looking penguins at this time of year, but they’re almost always moulting,” says Bruce. “While it doesn’t look pretty, this is a natural part of the bird’s life cycle, and they grow a new waterproof coat within two weeks.
“The best thing to do is leave them be, and ensure they are undisturbed during their moult.
