Meeting Flax

It’s a very special day when you get to cuddle a penguin!

Flax was one of 2 chicks hatched in nest box LK1923 at Little Kaiteriteri late October 2021.  It soon became apparent that he was struggling to survive so he was put into special care with local wildlife rehabber, Mana Stratton, who hand-fed Flax for 8 weeks.

While Flax was packing on the weight and growing waterproof feathers, penguin enthusiast, Lana, was busy constructing two nest boxes for future generations of little blues to safely raise their chicks.   Lana built the nest boxes to DOC specifications to ensure they were exactly right before finding ideal locations for them at Tapu Bay.

Then came the exciting opportunity for Lana to meet Flax.  It was a sunny December morning when Lana arrived just in time to help Mana feed Flax his breakfast of mackerel pieces.  Down the hatch! Yum!

And with the feeding job completed and Flax’s tummy bulging, it was time for a well-deserved penguin cuddle before Flax settled down for a wee snooze with his rehab buddy.