Kororā are often injured by boats/jet skis, road traffic, fishing nets, fishing line/rope, rubbish, pets, predators and damaged habitat e.g. trampled burrows or landslips. They can also come ashore when they are sick &/or starving and are often exhausted & dehydrated.

Starving kororā usually wash ashore from October to March. Individuals are more likely to struggle if there is a lack of food &/or ocean/weather conditions are challenging. Young fledglings that have recently left their burrow may struggle to find food and the natural mortality rate is high. Adults that are in their annual moulting phase to replace their feathers, use a lot of energy prior to, during & after their moult and are at their most vulnerable stage.

Without rescue sick, injured or starving kororā will likely die and are at serious risk of predation & dog attacks.

Penguins that are sick or in pain are often lethargic but may appear alert and responsive when found. They are very good at hiding that they are unwell.

• It's daylight and the bird is in the open (Kororā should be out at sea or if they are on land during the day the should be undercover in a burrow or nest box)

• Paddling around in shallow water and/or struggling to swim

• Lying face down in sand or amongst rocks

• Not wanting to move &/or difficulty standing or walking

• Not trying to escape people &/or dogs

• Extremely aggressive/erratic

• Looking scruffy &/or brown, potentially with loose feathers

Visible Signs of Starvation

• Keel bone prominent (no fat over chest)

• Protruding hip bones & backbone

• Legs appear long

• Stomach is empty between the legs

• “Big head” appearance with sunken eyes & possibly dilated pupils

• Often laying down/very weak

• Green/yellow watery or black tar like guano (poo)

Kororā Rescue

• Contact your nearest wildlife rehabber Member Centres | Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand or nearest penguin group (Comm Cons Page) for advice & notify 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

• Keep people and dogs away.

• Observe the bird from a distance to see if it & how it is moving. Photos/videos can be helpful to understand any possible injuries.

• Gently wrap the bird up in a towel or soft clothing. Place in a secure box with ventilation holes that is lined with a smooth towel/clothing layer, so the bird won't slide around.

• Keep in a quiet place at an ambient temperature (not too hot or cold) until transporting to a rehabber or vet for treatment.

• If transporting a penguin- keep the vehicle quiet with no radio or talking & at an ambient temperature. Ensure the box doesn't slide around.

• Write down details about the rescue: Date, time, location (coordinates), description of bird & any injuries (e.g. washed up on beach with wound on head), any suspected reason (e.g. caught in fishing line).

DO NOT attempt to feed the bird or put it in the water. Kororā have sharp beaks/claws and may try to bite when picked up. Their flippers are also very strong and may flap.

A highly contagious disease that spreads by direct contact of infected birds through saliva, nasal secretions and faeces (droppings, guano) and indirect contact with the environment e.g. water, clothing, equipment and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.

HPAI can infect people, although it is rare. It is important to minimise to know the symptoms of HPAI, avoid handling any penguins that may be suspicious of HPAI and always practicing strict hygiene and personal protective protocols (gloves, mask, clothing) when handling penguins.  

Look out for signs of HPAI when you’re visiting the coast and if you find 3 or more penguins that are sick or dead, please do not touch and report to MPI's Biosecurity Hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

Common symptoms include: 

• A lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles

• Twisted neck or other abnormal posture

• Inability to stand

• Diarrhoea

• Difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing

• Swelling around the head, neck and eyes

• Cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes

• Sudden death

More information is available at Avian influenza: staying safe and alert when outdoors | NZ Government and on the DOC Website Avian influenza: Wildlife health.