Deep dive into penguin life this Seaweek
Kororā are a precious resident of Napier and sharing information about them and their needs is an important part of this year’s Seaweek.
Seaweek Kaupapa Moana is New Zealand’s annual national week celebrating the sea. This year Seaweek runs from 2-10 March.
Amy Stevens, Education Manager at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, is keen to see people of all ages get involved in Seaweek’s activities and events, including a Royal Society Lecture by Professor John Cockrem PhD of Massey University, New Zealand’s leading expert on little penguins.
“We have a penguin rehabilitation centre here at the National Aquarium where abandoned chicks, victims of dog attacks, or kororā that have become sick in the wild can come and get the help they need from our specialist staff,” explains Stevens.
“So we are really excited to bring Professor Cockrem here to speak about the biology and conservation of little penguins.”
Kororā (little penguins) are declining and have disappeared from many locations around New Zealand coastlines. Every year many are injured or killed by dogs, cats and other animals.
“The more we all understand our penguin community the better. With many penguin habitats located across Hawke’s Bay, Professor Cockrem’s research will provide excellent insight for Hawke’s Bay locals to understand the challenges Korora face in the wild,” says Stevens.
Professor John Cockrem presents his lecture on Tuesday 5 March, 6pm (doors open from 5.30pm) at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Entry is by gold coin donation.
