Hoiho are critically endangered, with mainland populations declining at a rapid rate. For many years, dedicated conservationists have been working hard to give every hoiho the best possible chance of survival.
Across several breeding seasons, the management of hoiho nests, eggs and chicks has become increasingly intensive. Monitoring and hands-on support can make a real difference for a species where every loss is felt. This work is especially important because hoiho face a tough mix of pressures on land and at sea. Challenges include decreasing food resources, by-catch from commercial fishing, changing ocean conditions and disease alongside threats such as nesting disturbance, predation, loss of habitat and more extreme weather events.
Each season during November, the Dunedin Botanic Garden aviary staff help support this vital effort, led by the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and the Department of Conservation. The goal is simple: protect nests of adult penguins, support vulnerable eggs and chicks,
and strengthen survival outcomes for these precious taoka. Every bird counts.
What can we do to help:
On beaches and by nesting areas:
- Keep your distance: stay well back, keep noise low and never block a penguin’s path between sea and nest.
- Leash dogs and keep them out of penguin areas (even friendly dogs can cause fatal stress or injury).
- Don’t use drones near wildlife (they can cause panic and nest abandonment).
- Respect closed tracks and signage during breeding season (especially spring–summer).
And support local predator-control initiatives, encourage the government for better marine reserves, join conservation groups to help build safer seas and shores.
