We’re excited that, for the second year running, a paddling of precious whio ducklings have hatched at Auckland Zoo!
Whio (blue duck) are unique to Aotearoa - as they’re found nowhere else on earth and are even rarer than some species of kiwi.
Meet this year's paddling of precious whio ducklings!
Aja Pendergrast, Auckland Zoo
Every healthy duck hatched at the Zoo is part of a coordinated breed and release programme. With less than 3,000 whio left in the wild, each duckling makes a big difference!
Bird keeper Debs says she feels “really privileged to work with such a unique species and be part of the effort to ensure these guys are thriving in the wild.”
In a few weeks’ time they’ll be heading to duckling ‘boot-camp’, a Department of Conservation facility in Turangi, where they’ll build up their muscles before being released to a pristine fast-flowing North Island river.
Although these precious ducklings will remain behind-the-scenes, you can visit their parents in the Te Wao Nui High Country aviary.
Debs Searchfield - Auckland Zoo Bird KeeperI feel really privileged to work with such a unique species and be part of the effort to ensure these guys are thriving in the wild