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Tiny New Zealand penguins waddle through purpose-built tunnel to avoid traffic

A penguin tunnel has been built in New Zealand to help the tiny birds get from their nests to the ocean without risking their lives crossing the road or dodging tourists.

The blue penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins because of their miniature stature, have been nesting at Oamaru North Otago, in the South Island for some time.

New Zealand's blue penguins are using a purpose-built tunnel to commute from their nesting area to the sea safely. Picture: Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony/Facebook
New Zealand's blue penguins are using a purpose-built tunnel to commute from their nesting area to the sea safely. Picture: Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony/Facebook

The flightless birds have become increasingly disturbed by visitors taking flash photography at the harbour, blue penguin colony research scientist Dr Philippa Agnew told the Timaru Herald.

“At the boat ramp each evening during the summer, the penguins face crowds of people trying to get close to them and also traffic trying to use the same road – an unfortunate reality of urban living,” she said.

The tunnel will provide them an opportunity to retreat, alongside a safe commute between their nests and the sea.


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It seems to be a success, with the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony sharing on Facebook: “The blue penguins are happily taking to their new underpass – the first of its kind in New Zealand!”

Blue penguins, also known as fairy penguins, are the smallest of their species. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images
Blue penguins, also known as fairy penguins, are the smallest of their species. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

“This underpass helps provide safe passage for the penguins from the harbour to their nests across the busy road.

“To monitor the use of the passage, we set up a few cameras. With a little light at the end of the tunnel to guide the way, the little blues just waddle on through!”

The blue penguin, or “little penguin” is the smallest of the species of penguin and grows to an average of 33cm high and 43cm long.