Peekaboo...
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Followers in New Zealand will know that today is ANZAC day, a day to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who fought and gave their life in war.
Globally, it is also World Penguin Day and World Veterinary Day. 13 of the 18 species of penguin are found in New Zealand territories, and 4 species are endemic to New Zealand, being found nowhere else. We regularly receive sick and injured penguins at the hospital, predominantly kororā. Whether juveniles or moulting adults, we get to see some funky fuzz-dos, such as with this little blue which looks like it is wearing a cloak.
The hospital is grateful to our vets Pauline, Micah and Fiona for the long days they put in looking after the patients, and no doubt the penguins appreciate feeling better after their care (even if their biting tendencies would suggest otherwise!).
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It's not often these birds are seen, either at the hospital or in the wild. Marsh crakes are shy and elusive birds that are easily hidden by the tall vegetation next to wetlands where they reside.
This kotoreke was brought to a home by a cat. Upon presentation at the hospital, a bite wound was found on the head. Cat bites can be difficult to see through the feathers but have the potential to drive bacteria deep into the body. Luckily, treatment was successful, and the individual was able to be released back to the wild.

This Earth Day you can find out how to help the planet and its inhabitants (human and non-human) by learning what impacts your lifestyle has: from the pollution and climate impacts of your daily routines; to the conservation impacts of your consumer choices; and the environmental impacts of how you recreate and what pets you keep. This year's theme is "Our Power, Our Planet". Knowing your footprint is the first step to identify what changes you can make for the better.
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White flippered penguins are a local Canterbury variant of the little blue penguin or kororā. This individual is showing where the name comes from with the distinctive white leading edge to the flipper. White flippered penguins are a different shade of blue and their size is typically larger than the standard little blues found elsewhere. You might be lucky enough to spot these Canterbury kororā on Banks Peninsula, and they are even occasionally spotted along the Sumner coastline.
The hospital regularly receives underweight penguins that have been found in a compromised state of health, often juveniles or moulting adults. They are the most common penguin species that we treat. Thanks to coastal conservation and nest monitoring work by volunteers, community groups, Project WellBird + Project BlueBird and Pōhatu Penguins/plunge , sick individuals can be identified and transported to us for treatment and rehabilitation, allowing us to play a role in maintaining local populations.
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Runway model in training. #penguin #Tawaki #wildlifehospital #birdsofaotearoa #southislandwildlifehospital ... See MoreSee Less

Our patients receive medications in a number of different ways: they may get it in liquid form via a tube into their crop, or as a tablet hidden in their food. They may get it by an injection under their skin, into their muscle or into a vein.
Similar to us with our arms, penguins have a vein in their flipper that allows us to administer fluids and antibiotics. As you can see, this one is very obliging with the vet while receiving their daily treatments.
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Last month we received a juvenile wandering albatross at the hospital. One of the larger albatross species, this individual was 4.2kg on arrival - close to the weight of an average cat, only much bigger in stature.
The toroa had crash landed in a recently-cut crop field, causing injuries to their feet. Ocean wandering birds usually only come to land to breed. Outwith that time, landfall usually means an ill bird. Blood tests showed kidney distress, a typical consequence of starvation and dehydration.
Unfortunately, this manu failed to respond to treatment and passed away a couple of days after arrival into care. For all the successful releases, there are also those that don't make it. Despite the sad outcome, it is always a privilege to be part of the story of such a special bird. We share this picture so that others can experience the up-close sight of a species that most will never get to see in the w#albatrosst#wanderingalbatrosst#toroat#wildlifehospitalp#southislandwildlifehospitalpital ... See MoreSee Less

Our patients are as interested in observing us as we are in them. Hospital stays involve hands-on treatments and hands-off observations. Naturally, that can involve more human contact than these wild birds are used to. Minimising stress during care is important: chronic stress can lower the immune system and contribute to disease or decline. Watching where the humans are is a normal trait of wildlife as they analyse the real or possible threats around them.
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