Fish-stealing Timmy wins National Aquarium's Penguin of the Year

Timmy. The undisputed king of the bad birds. Photo / Supplied

Timmy has out-flippered Mo to become the National Aquarium of New Zealand's first ever Penguin of the Year.

It was a battle of the "bad boys" - Timmy is famous for his fish stealing feats, while Mo, abandoned as a chick, also has a thing for stealing fish.

Between October 1 and 28, more than 10,700 votes from all over the world were cast before Timmy was crowned the winner. They came places as far as Guatemala, Estonia, Iran, Belarus, Vietnam, Singapore, Peru, China, India, Canada, the US, UK and Australia.

Comments on social media included: "there's a little bit of Timmy in all of us".

Timmy. The undisputed king of the bad birds. Photo / Supplied

Timmy and Mo had emerged as finalists in the aquarium's inaugural competition after ferocious social media and website voting in the first two weeks of October, before duking it out to win the hearts and votes of the public over the past two weeks.

Corban Bell, 7, and his family found Timmy washed up on a Napier beach three years ago.

They knew something was wrong so they popped him in a lunchbox and brought him to the National Aquarium which has become his permanent home.

Timmy was found on a Napier beach, suspected hit by a boat. Photo / Supplied

It is believed his spinal injury was from a possible boat strike. With physio he can now walk a little, but he has been unable to return to the wild.

Corban and his Dad Ian were at the National Aquarium on Wednesday morning for the announcement, where he got to feed Timmy.

"I'm absolutely stoked that Timmy has won. I've been trying to get all my family and friends to vote for Timmy because he deserves it."

Napier City Council spokeswoman Antoinette Campbell said she always knew Hawke's Bay's penguins were special.

"This competition has proven they're special to people the world over. We hope it encourages more people to come and see what the fuss is about."

It has also been a great opportunity to share the good work of the keepers at the National Aquarium, she says, and raise awareness of the challenges Little Penguins face.

The National Aquarium is a rehabilitation centre for most of the Little Penguins. Penguins which are not strong enough to return to their natural habitats end up with the National Aquarium becoming their permanent home.