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penguins are brought in if they have
an injury or are sick. The National
Aquarium’s team looks after them
and gives them the care they need
to get better. However, some may
not be able to survive in the wild and
therefore live at Penguin Cove.

The National Aquarium’s residents
include Draco, the 14-year-old
penguin, who unfortunately
suffered head and spinal injuries
by a suspected boat captain, who
has a missing eye from an animal
attack, and Bernie, who was found
with horrible burns on her feet
from a potential beach fire mishap.
All these little penguins would not
survive if they were released back
into the wild, so they live their lives Little penguins, in the wild, would stature, but this does not diminish
well cared for by the team at the start their day very early. Leaving their abilities in the water. While
National Aquarium. their nest to go and search for food, they may seem a bit ungainly
taking it in turns with their partner. on land, in the water they are
There are 14 little penguins at the One will guard the nest and any exceptional swimmers. With a
WORLD OCEAN DAY National Aquarium, with seven boys chicks, while the other goes in breath-hold of around one minute,
and seven girls. Their enclosure is
SEA OF VOICES a beautiful sandy area with native search of small fish to eat. A fish little penguins can dive down to
New Zealand plants, nest boxes, the little penguins like to eat is the depths of approximately 60 meters
kahawai, a New Zealand fish that hunting for food. This is done with
and a salt pool for them to swim grows to be a large species, but exceptional speed and agility!
Mermaid Ria visits and dive around in. it’s a tasty meal for a little penguin
National Aquarium of New Zealand A day in the life of a when small. Threats to the little penguin
and how you can help
to learn about Little Penguins little penguin Little penguins have very stretchy Little penguins are not
At the National Aquarium, the
tummies, so that they can eat endangered,but like many ocean
little penguins are fed and cared
for by the staff and know when many fish in one sitting. Once full, animals, some threats have a
they head back to the nest.
huge impact on their lives and can
feeding time is. However, life is a bit severely affect the population.
BY: MERMAID RIA ©2021 BY MERMAID RIA different for a little penguin in the Little penguins may be small in
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NATIONAL AQUARIUM OF NEW ZEALAND wild. One of the major issues that can
LOCATION: NATIONAL AQUARIUM OF NEW ZEALAND NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND majorly affect little penguins is
rubbish. Discarded fishing lines,
For World Ocean Day, Fins animals. Read on to find out what fishing nets, plastic bags, and
Magazine collaborated with CILC Mermaid Ria and the classrooms In the wild little penguins can grow plastic debris can be very harmful.
to bring educational interactive learned! up to be about eight years old.
classes to people across the globe. However, at the National Aquarium Getting caught in the netting and
What are little penguins? of New Zealand, they have Draco, wrapped up in a fishing line can
One of these classes was hosted Little penguins are the smallest who is 14 years old, and another cause drowning as well as losing
by Mermaid Ria, New Zealand’s species of penguin in the world. one of their penguin residents lived limbs. Plastic waste can cause
professional mermaid. Mermaid Growing to around 30 cm tall (12 to be 20 years old! suffocation, choking and can be
Ria visited the National Aquarium inches), they weigh about 1 kg or accidentally mistaken for food,
of New Zealand to talk to educator 2.2 pounds. They are only found in Why are the little penguins at meaning stomach issues and
Karlie about their little penguins. the southern hemisphere around the National Aquarium of New illness. To avoid little penguins
New Zealand coastlines and areas Zealand? being harmed by the above, always
The class was attended by over 250 of Australia. In Australia, they are The National Aquarium of New make sure to pick up any rubbish
classrooms worldwide, all wanting called fairy penguins due to their Zealand is a rescue and rehabilitation you see, particularly at the beach
to learn about these cute little small stature! facility for little penguins. Little or when in the water, and remove

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