Photo shows yellow-eyed penguin chicks being held by a vet at the hospital in Dunedin.//AFP
A mystery illness is decimating the chicks of New Zealand’s endangered yellow-eyed penguins, and scientists say they may have found the cause.
The flightless birds, endemic to New Zealand, stand lower than knee-high, have pale yellow eyes and sport a band of yellow feathers around the head.
There are about 2,400 of the adult birds left, according to estimates by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.
Their status is considered “threatened — nationally endangered”. It is the country’s highest risk level.
The mystery respiratory illness first appeared in 20 freshly hatched chicks brought to Dunedin Wildlife Hospital in 2019.
“They were unable to hold their heads up, gasping with glassy eyes,” wildlife hospital director Dr. Lisa Argilla told AFP this week. “It was…
