Page 34 - 2008 NZ Subantarctic Islands

The Fairy (or Blue) Penguin

This rather Disneyesque

Center also had a wildlife
experience for us. Under

the auspices of DOC, the
Center provides a home for
disabled fairy (blue)

penguins who could not be
released into the wilds

after their recovery from
either injury or disease.

Here they have a climate
controlled environment

with snow and ice as well
as a commodious
swimming pool/tank which

allows visitors to watch their underwater “flying.”

These penguins are the smallest in the world, standing less than
16 inches high and weighing 2.2 lbs. compared to the Emperors

who are 3 ft. 7 inches tall and weigh about 75 lbs. But these little
guys are really dominant in the charm department. So awkward

and waddly on land, so balletic and graceful in the water. Their
tuxedos make them look faintly ridiculous, like all penguins, but
endearing as well.

There is some controversy among penguin biologists about the

total number of different penguin species, but the number usually
agreed upon is 17. Of those, 7 live in New Zealand, the most in

any one country.

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