New West Coast Penguin Encounter Takes Flight

Construction is set to begin on an exciting new habitat for little blue penguins, following a formal blessing on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The facility is expected to be completed within six months.

Developed in collaboration with the Department of Conservation, Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo, the International Antarctic Centre, members of the Zoo and Aquarium Association, and the West Coast Penguin Trust, this new initiative represents a strong, nationwide commitment to penguin welfare and education.

Located adjacent to the award-winning West Coast Wildlife Centre—a Qualmark Gold-rated facility in the heart of Franz Josef—the new West Coast Penguin Encounter will combine state-of-the-art animal care with an engaging, interactive experience for visitors. The habitat will provide the highest possible welfare standards for the Centre’s Ambassador penguins, while encouraging visitors to learn more about conservation and take action to protect marine wildlife.

The new encounter complements the Wildlife Centre’s existing kiwi and tuatara conservation programmes. Working closely with the Department of Conservation and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the Centre has helped save two critically endangered kiwi species—the rowi and the Haast tokoeka. Between 2010 and 2022, the Centre successfully hatched and incubated more than 353 rowi and 141 Haast tokoeka chicks. Today, it continues to focus on kiwi advocacy, sharing these remarkable success stories with visitors from around the world.

Visitors to the new Penguin Encounter will discover that little blue penguins—the world’s smallest penguin species—stand just 25 cm tall and weigh around 1 kg. Despite their charm, these birds face numerous threats from both land and sea, including habitat destruction, climate change, marine pollution, and predation by cats, stoats, and ferrets. Increasing coastal development has also led to more dog attacks and the loss of traditional nesting sites, while many penguins are injured crossing roads or caught in fishing nets.

The new facility aims not only to care for these penguins but also to inspire conservation action. Visitors will learn practical ways to make a difference—such as supporting sustainable fishing practices, reducing plastic waste, and participating in local conservation initiatives.

Together, these efforts represent a significant milestone in protecting New Zealand’s treasured wildlife and ensuring a thriving future for little blue penguins on the West Coast.

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