Gari the Fiordland crested penguin rescued in 2014 to live out her days in Sydney's Taronga Zoo

A 2015 file picture of Gari in the saltwater pool at Wellington Zoo after multiple surgeries saved her live, but which also mean she can never be released in the wild. Photo / Supplied

A nationally endangered Fiordland crested penguin (tawaki) found injured on a Hokitika beach in 2014 vwill live out its days in a Sydney zoo, thanks partly to help from the Australian High Commissioner.

Named Gari, the penguin was a juvenile when she was found with extensive wounds to the lower abdomen and left foot. A barracuda is suspected.

Gari received care and initial treatment at West Coast Vets Hokitika, and then the West Coast Penguin Trust arranged a flight to Wellington for further treatment at the Wellington Zoo veterinary hospital, in December 2014.

"When Gari first arrived at The Nest Te Kohanga, we performed a general health check and multiple surgeries to repair her various wounds," senior veterinarian Baukje Lenting said.

Due to the severity of the wound around her lower abdomen, Gari could die due to egg binding, which is when a female bird is unable to pass a fully formed egg.

As a result, she will remain in care at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, with two other rescued Fiordland crested penguins.

"Gari's situation is rare and, even though she is an endangered tawaki, she can't be returned to the wild, so we still wanted to give her another chance at a good life," Wellington Zoo animal science manager Simon Eyre said.

"The only place in the world where Fiordland crested penguins are looked after permanently in human care is at Taronga Zoo, Australia."

Wellington Zoo will hold a blessing and farewell ceremony in Gari's honour on May 15, with the Australian High Commissioner Peter Woollcott and his wife Tanya, as well as Inger Perkins from the West Coast Penguin Trust.

Gari won the heart of the commissioner when he visited the zoo with his wife, and he put in a good word with the Australian Consulate.

During the farewell, Wellington Zoo will be signing a memorandum of understanding with the trust, which will officially become a conservation partner of Wellington Zoo.

The transfer was also made possible by the Department of Conservation, the West Coast Penguin Trust, and Te Runanga o Makaawhio.

Gari was named in honour of the then Hokitika New World owner-manager Gary Lee, who supplied fish to the injured bird.

- Greymouth Star