Found a sick, injured or deceased penguin?

If you see a penguin on the beach during daylight hours, it is most likely sick, injured or starving and needs help

Here’s what to do:

Step 1 - For injured or sick penguins - contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre-see the list on the WRENNZ website and also notify the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)

Step 2 - if no response from your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or DOC — contact your nearest vet clinic for advice

Step 3 - If the penguin is deceased, contact your local penguin community group (alternatively contact us at NZPI either via email or Facebook and we can let the community group know)

Step 4 - If possible, take a photo and location of deceased penguin and upload it to iNaturalist with comments on species, location, obvious injuries etc

Step 5 - Rescued and deceased penguins found should be checked for an ID (PIT-Tag/Microchip) and scanned with an FDX-B scanner

If you suspect a penguin has been attacked by a dog or hit by a vehicle, please report it to your local council immediately as more penguins could be at risk