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Yellow-eyed Penguins, also known as Hoiho, (which means noise shouter) is an endangered penguin species. They are NOT very social creatures unlike many of their other relatives, they are actually quite shy. This penguin was born to stand out, from its characteristics to the place it calls home. It is a one-of-a-kind penguin.
Their name is inspired by the bold yellow feather band on their face, and of course their stark yellow eyes. But these physical characteristics don’t show up until about a year after they are born. While they are young, a layer of grey/brown feathers keeps them warm as they don’t yet need to adventure into the color water. When they get older these feathers molt, and their bright yellow water-resistant feathers come through to keep them warm on any fish hunting endeavor.
When we think of penguins many of us will think of cold places covered in snow and ice. But the Yellow-eyed Penguin lives in a much different climate, in New Zealand! This penguin species depends on both marine and terrestrial areas. The land gives them a place to create a safe nest, hidden in the forest or in small cave-like structures. But they make regular trips to the sea to find food for themselves and their chicks. And man oh man, these trips are very intensive for these little guys and gals!
Though they are not picky when it comes to what they eat, their favorite food seems to be red/blue cod and squid.
The adult penguins will travel up to 15 miles offshore in search of food. Even further when they are looking to feed their young. Once they find an area they think will be full of fish, squid or anything else they can eat/carry the real workout begins! Diving down to the seafloor up to 200 times a day just to find their next meal! After all that swimming, diving, and hunting they return home. Climbing, wobbling and pulling themselves up hills and rocks to get back to their nest.
This penguin species is very particular when finding a place to call home. Since they prefer living, eating, and just being on their own; they search for a hidden area away from any neighbors. They build these nests out of twigs, grass, and any other vegetation they can carry in their beak.
No, during breeding season a male and female will re-unite to have chicks. 90% of penguins will find the same mate every year by making loud noises that the other will recognize. (Watch the video below to hear this call.)
Once the chick is born, the male and female will work together to protect and feed their young. Taking turns at the nest and going miles to search for food every day.
The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is one of the organizations in New Zealand that are working hands-on to help this species survive. This has been their mission since 1987 and they were New Zealand’s first single-species Conservation Trust!
“To work towards an increase in the number of yellow-eyed penguins on a self-sustaining basis within their natural coastal ecosystem.” – Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust
(Watch the video below to see some of what they do.)
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