Bird of the Year: Hoiho yellow-eyed penguin named 2024 winner

Its campaign was backed by Ōtepoti Dunedin locals, and supporters included the Highlanders rugby team, and Emerson’s Brewery which crafted a special pale ale in honour of the “people’s penguin”.

“This spotlight couldn’t have come at a better time,” Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki said.

They were vulnerable to predators and dog attacks, and are at risk of being caught in set nets at sea.

The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, reported the number of mainland breeding birds had dropped by 78% over the last 15 years.

“This iconic penguin is disappearing from mainland Aotearoa before our eyes,” Toki said.

The nationally endangered bird, whose te reo Māori name hoiho means ‘noise shouter’, is notoriously shy despite its loud, shrill call.

Ellen Rykers from Forest & Bird earlier said it was a chance to celebrate Aotearoa’s “amazing” native birds.

“It’s also an opportunity to highlight that more than 80% of them are in trouble, or serious trouble, and they really need our help.”

Rykers said this year’s competition had more of a homegrown feel, after a campaign by United States talk show host John Oliver in 2023 led to a landslide victory for the pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe).

“We have seen some amazing support from some New Zealand celebrities this year. So Sam Neill just endorsed the pukunui – the southern NZ dotterel – and Paddy Gower’s just supported the Adélie penguin.”

Voters were able to cast their ballots for up to five birds on the online poll, from a selection of 74 “candidates”.

The top 10 votes:

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