Tug gets visitor en route
HOMEWARD BOUND: After a tiring trip to New Plymouth, this Fiordland crested penguin is hitching a ride home on a south-bound tug boat.
A Fiordland crested penguin, looking tired after being battered by rough weather, was spotted on rocks near the Wind Wand on Sunday.
Bryan Williams and Callum Lilley from the Department of Conservation's marine team took him into protective custody, fearful the penguin would be attacked by dogs.
Mr Williams said this breed of penguin was a rare visitor to Taranaki. "It's only the second sighting in 20 years," he said.
The penguin was a long way from its usual home around the shores of southern New Zealand – mainly south Westland, Fiordland and Codfish Island.
After spending a night in Taranaki, the penguin was put on a south-bound tug boat to be released in blue water south of New Plymouth.
Mr Lilley said the offshore release would get the penguin closer to home and protect it from attack by black-backed gulls.
"Some birds can be pretty vicious with other types of birds and they could injure or even kill it.
"It seemed to be in reasonable condition so hopefully it will just make its way in the world," Mr Lilley said.
- Taranaki Daily News
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