September 17th 2024.
A shy and unassuming yellow-eyed penguin has captured the hearts of thousands and claimed the highly coveted title of New Zealand's Bird of the Year. Despite its reserved nature, the hoiho received a staggering 6328 votes out of the 52,400 cast from all around the globe, securing a landslide victory. The announcement was made by organisers Forest and Bird NZ, who declared the penguin as the rightful winner with no competition in sight.
This is not the first time the hoiho has taken home the prestigious title, having previously won in 2019. But this year's win was even more impressive as it beat out strong contenders such as the Karure Chatham Island black robin and the Kākāpō, which came in a close second and third place respectively.
The hoiho's triumph was made possible by the dedication and hard work of a collective effort led by the Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin. The museum joined forces with local wildlife and environmental organizations, a rugby team, and even a brewery that crafted a special pale ale in honor of the beloved penguin. The campaign also received support from Terri Irwin of Australia Zoo.
According to Tūhura Otago Museum marketing manager Charlie Buchan, this victory is not just for the hoiho but for the entire Dunedin community. He acknowledges the support and passion of the community towards protecting their unique wildlife and preserving their breathtaking landscapes. The campaign team put in immense effort to raise awareness and fight for the hoiho's well-being, and they are overjoyed to have helped secure its victory.
The hoiho, whose Maori name means "noise shouter", is known for its distinct loud and shrill call, despite its shy nature. It is considered one of the rarest penguin species in the world and is only found in New Zealand. Unfortunately, its population has been on a steady decline, with a loss of 78% over the past 15 years and 18% in the last year alone, according to the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust. This has led to the penguin being declared nationally endangered.
Forest and Bird chief executive Nicola Toki expressed the dire situation the hoiho is facing. It is under constant threat from various sources, including disease, attacks from dogs, and introduced predators like cats, stoats, and ferrets. The vulnerable chicks are also at risk from set nets and lack of food. Conservation groups are urging for the establishment of marine protected areas to give the hoiho a fighting chance at survival.
The campaign and the resulting win have brought much-needed attention to the declining hoiho population. It is hoped that this will lead to concrete actions being taken to protect this unique and precious species. The hoiho may be small and quiet, but its impact and importance cannot be understated. Let us all join together to ensure a better future for these wonderful creatures.
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