Injured penguin returns home from Wellington Zoo

The female Tawaki, otherwise known as the Fiordland Crested Penguin, was released on Monday evening in Hokitika. Photo / Supplied via Wellington Zoo

One of New Zealand's rarest penguin has left Wellington Zoo and returned to her hometown in the West Coast after receiving treatment for an infected wound.

A female Tawaki, otherwise known as the Fiordland Crested Penguin, was released on Monday evening in Hokitika near the site she was found.

She had been receiving treatment for an infected wound at the capital's zoo since September this year.

Veterinary sciences manager Doctor Lisa Argilla said the bird responded well to treatment at The Nest Te Kohanga in Wellington Zoo.

"We cleaned and stitched up the wound, which due to the infection and pain meant she was unable to swim and hunt in the wild.

"After treatment, she has steadily gained weight, been eating well, and displayed excellent physical fitness and waterproofing after spending time in the salt water pool," she said.

It was special to work alongside the Department of Conversation to care for endemic birds, she said.

"Wellington Zoo has strong relationships with DoC and the local rehabilitation volunteers as well as with the West Coast Penguin Trust, which highlights the importance of conservation organisations working together to save animals in the wild."