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There’s plenty happening at the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef with some exciting conservation milestones and a couple of very special new arrivals.
A SUCCESSFUL KIWI HATCHING SEASON
The team at the Centre have just wrapped up a successful kiwi hatching season. All three Haast Tokoeka eggs safely hatched after being brought in by the Department of Conservation as part of Operation Nest Egg.
The Haast Tokoeka is one of New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, with fewer than 400 believed to remain in the wild. These three chicks are an important step forward for the species.
Phoenix, the last chick to hatch, has now joined the other two hatched at the centre this season at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. They’ll continue to grow in a safe, protected habitat before eventually returning to the forests of Haast. It’s an incredible effort by everyone involved to help protect and grow this special population.
Haast Tokoeka Kiwi Chick, West Coast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef
Phoenix, the last Haast tokoeka chick of this year's hatching season, is getting his final checks and a weigh-in before his big journey to Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
MEET BRIDGE AND STUMPY
Two very special little arrivals have recently waddled into the centre – Bridge and Stumpy, a pair of male kororā / Little Blue Penguins.
Bridge was found in heavy traffic on the Auckland Harbour Bridge off-ramp and is missing a flipper, likely due to a predatory fish attack. Stumpy from the Bay of Plenty is also missing a flipper. Despite their challenges, both boys are resilient, cheeky and full of character.
They’ve now completed their quarantine checks and are settling in alongside the centre’s seven resident penguins as important conservation ambassadors. Visitors can meet and learn more about them as part of the Penguin Encounter.
Little Blue Penguins, West Coast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef
Meet Bridge and Stumpy, two very special Little Blue Penguins now calling the West Coast Wildlife Centre home.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef is open daily from 9 am–7 pm with penguin feeding times at 11 am and 3 pm.
It’s a great place to connect with some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and learn more about the important conservation work happening right here in Glacier Country.
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