Snares crested penguin group
New Zealand could be called the penguin capital of the world; we have more penguin species on our shores than any other country.
Penguins are a unique group of flightless seabirds that are at home on land and in the sea. They are covered with a waterproof coat of dense, short and flattened feathers, and their wings are modified into flippers. On land they walk upright, standing up to one metre high, and in water they can swim rapidly and dive for food.
Find out all kinds of fascinating facts about penguins.
Introduced predators, habitat degredation and pollution at sea all threaten penguins.
Conservation organisations, individuals and the Department of Conservation all play a role in protecting penguins.
Find out how you can help penguins.
Birds of the sea and shore - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife Whale or dolphin strandings
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