Meet “Arnold”: Our Outrageously Grumpy Little Blue Penguin

A grumpy young penguin with attitude to spare has become the latest addition to the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef.

Arnold, a little blue penguin rescued in poor condition last month, is now making waves - and faces - as he settles into his new home.

“He’s outrageously grumpy — and we absolutely love him for it,” said Wildlife Manager Devon Collins.

“From the moment he arrived, he gave us that sideways penguin glare that says, ‘Don’t even think about touching my fish.’”

Arnold was found at Pohatu Marine Reserve suffering from suspected head trauma and balance issues, likely from a jet ski strike, the wildlife centre said in a statement.

Underweight and mid-moult, he’s since doubled in size, going from 934g in October to 1772g by 11 November, while consuming more than 30 fish a day — three times more than his peers.

The centre said Arnold was the only male in a colony of six females and would remain under specialist care until he finishes moulting.

Once fully recovered, he will join the centre’s Little Blue Penguin Ambassador Programme, launched in October to rehabilitate vulnerable penguins and raise public awareness about conservation.

“Our mission has always been conservation first,” said Director Richard Benton.

“The Penguin Encounter builds on our proud track record of working with DOC and Ngāti Māhaki to protect and celebrate New Zealand’s taonga species.”

Arnold’s story, they said in the statement on Saturday, reflected the vital role of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts across the country as marine threats increased.

Visitors will be able to meet Arnold — grumpiness and all — once he’s ready to return to the spotlight.

Stuff