Date: 09 March 2021
During the moult, the nationally endangered hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin (and other penguin species such as little penguin/kororā) come ashore to grow new feathers. At this time penguins must sit ashore for 3-4 weeks to replace all their feathers at once and can’t go to sea to feed until they are waterproof again. Growing feathers requires extra energy and penguins need to almost double their weight to sustain themselves through the moult. They will typically lose 3-4kg during this time.
“The moult is a very dangerous time for penguins and it’s vital we humans play our part in keeping them safe by ensuring dogs are on a lead, watching out for penguins and giving them plenty of space,” says DOC Marine and Coastal Species Liaison Officer, Chris Page.
During the moult, the nationally endangered hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin (and other penguin species such as little penguin/kororā) come ashore to grow new.