An injured kororā / little penguin has a new lease on life after being rescued from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
In late January, a motorist spotted a kororā standing in the bus lane at the base of the bridge and quickly pulled over.
The woman gently scooped up the bird and contacted the Department of Conservation, who arranged for him to be taken to Auckland Zoo's veterinary hospital.
During an initial exam, the vet team found an injury to his right flipper, believed to have been caused by a predatory fish attack around roughly two weeks earlier, Auckland Zoo said today on social media.
"Despite this, our patient was bright and strong, with good body condition, and was given pain relief, fluids and food via tube."
Also known as little blue or fairy penguins, the birds were the smallest of the species in the world.
Once the penguin was stable, the decision was made to amputate the flipper at the shoulder joint to prevent further injury or infection.
Following the hour-long procedure, the kororā was given antibiotics and pain relief over several weeks to help with the healing process.
Unable to survive in the wild with just one flipper, the search was on for a new home for their feathered friend.
After a month of care, the penguin, now named Bridge, was flown to the Franz Josef West Coast Wildlife Centre to join their colony.
"He may be a little bitey at times, but hey – he’s a survivor with attitude!" the wildlife centre said on social media.
Smallest ‘fairy’ penguin, the kororā is struggling for survival amid rising sea temperatures and over-fishing. (Source: 1News)
Bridge was joined by another little penguin with a similar injury.
"Stumpy, our adorable little gentleman from the Bay of Plenty region, is also missing a flipper. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, both boys are resilient, cheeky, and full of personality," the centre said.
The pair were in quarantine for health checks as they settled into their new home.
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