- Conservation status
- In serious trouble
Yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) are disappearing before our eyes. They are one of the rarest penguins in the world with just 1,700 pairs remaining.
If nothing is done to reverse current declines, scientists predict they could be extinct on mainland New Zealand within 10-20 years.
Hoiho are shy penguins, hiding their nests in dense vegetation. But their shrill call is attention-grabbing – giving them their te reo Māori name, which means 'noise shouter'.
Campaign Manager
Otago Museum
Championing the Hoiho for Bird of the Year 2024
The city of Dunedin is rallying behind the magnificent yellow-eyed penguin, also known as hoiho, in the quest to secure the title of Bird of the Year 2024. This effort is spearheaded by Tūhura Otago Museum and Wild Dunedin, who are leading the charge with unwavering dedication and passion. They are joined by a coalition of local organisations including Enterprise Dunedin, Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, The OPERA, Monarch Wildlife Cruises, Southern Hoiho Basketball Team, and Dunedin's renowned Wildlife Hospital. Together, they are united in a singular mission: to spotlight and protect the world's rarest penguin, the mighty Hoiho.
About the hoiho
The hoiho is an iconic species, endemic to Aotearoa and found exclusively along New Zealand’s shores. Distinguished by its striking yellow eyes and pale-yellow headband, this penguin is a symbol of our unique natural heritage. Sadly, the hoiho is critically endangered, with only about 126 breeding pairs remaining on mainland New Zealand. This alarming decline highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts and public awareness.
Our mission
Dunedin's collective effort aims to elevate the hoiho to Bird of the Year status, bringing much-needed attention to its plight and the conservation measures required to ensure its survival. By uniting the community and leveraging the expertise and enthusiasm of our partner organisations, we hope to inspire action and foster a deeper connection between people and this remarkable species.
Join the cause
The yellow-eyed penguin is not just a bird; it’s a symbol of our shared responsibility to protect and cherish the unique wildlife that calls New Zealand home. Voting for the hoiho is a vote for conservation, biodiversity, and the preservation of our natural world for future generations.
Let's rally for our yellow-eyed friends and give them the boost they need! Together, we can make a difference. Vote hoiho for Bird of the Year 2024!
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