Concern at unexplained hoiho deaths
10 Jan, 2021 04:40 PM
2 minutes to read
Yellow-eyed penguin chicks are falling ill with an unexplained pneumonia-like sickness. Photo / Supplied
Otago Daily Times
Concern is mounting for an already challenged species as a mysterious sickness kills yellow-eyed penguin chicks.
The Wildlife Hospital Trust manager Jordana Whyte said the unexplained respiratory condition affected hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) chicks across North Otago, Otago and the Catlins.
"We don't understand how they are getting it and why it is killing them."
On necropsy, it presented as a type of pneumonia.
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It was cause for concern.
"If it gets worse next year, for example, we'll be in huge trouble."