Police have launched an investigation after two blue penguins were run over and killed on the road leading to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony at the weekend.
Graffiti, declaring "I love penguins" was found spray-painted on a nearby construction wall.
Penguin Colony manager Michelle Wright said the dead birds were discovered by workers on Saturday morning.
One of the birds was a banded one from the reserve, and one was unbanded, Mrs Wright said.
"Staff members who witnessed the sight were quite upset," she said. "It's not uncommon for birds to be run over -- what is uncommon is the spray-painting."
Sergeant Derek Beveridge said it could mean someone drove to the colony with the intention of killing the birds.
"One could put two and two together...but I certainly hope that's not what happened," he said.
- OAMARU MAIL
Graffiti found after penguins killed
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