BEAUTIFUL ENDANGERED PENGUIN NAMES BIRD OF THE YEAR IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is renowned for its wide variety of plants and animals, especially the numerous vibrant birds that live on this island nation. One of these hundreds of species is named Bird of the Year once a year, bringing the animal's profile to a larger one. The hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, won this competition in 2024 based on votes cast by fans.
An environmental group called Forest & Bird, which is focused on the preservation of native plants, animals, and ecosystems in New Zealand, organises the annual Bird of the Year competition. The competition gained international attention in 2023 when comedian John Oliver organised a campaign to support the Australian crested grebe, or pūteketeke, in winning the competition. The grebe triumphed handily and raised record amounts of money for conservation efforts.
This time, a grassroots initiative headed by the Tūhura Otago Museum in the city of Dunedin supported the endangered hoiho instead of an international comedian. Furthermore, it earned endorsements from Dr Jane Goodall and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. With this victory, the so-called "people's penguin"—which had previously been named Bird of the Year in 2019—won the competition for the second time.
One of the rarest penguins in the world is thought to be the hoiho. It is distinguished by its pale yellow eyes and matching feathers, and it has a timid, reserved personality. But because of its attention-grabbing call, it was given the Māori name "noise shouter" in te reo. It is mainly found on the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, as well as the South and Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Regretfully, Forest & Bird believes that the hoiho is "in serious trouble."
Most worrisomely, hoiho populations have declined by 78% in the previous 15 years, with a startling 18% decline in just the last year. Diseases, the loss of habitat, and introduced species are some of the problems this species faces.
Hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguins, are rapidly going extinct. With only 1,700 pairs left, they are among the rarest penguins in the world, according to Forest & Bird. "Scientists predict they could go extinct on mainland New Zealand within 10–20 years if current declines are not reversed." Hopefully, this title will encourage more individuals and organisations to contribute to the preservation of this rare bird.