Yellow-eyed penguin nursed back to health

A young female yellow-eyed penguin has been nursed back to health at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Wildlife Ward.

The sick penguin was found collapsed at Sumner Beach, Christchurch, last month, emaciated and weak and was flown to Palmerston North by the Department of Conservation.

The penguin, one of an endangered population of about 5000, had diarrhea, a secondary yeast infection, enlarged kidneys and weighed just 3.4kg. The penguin was flown back to Christchurch last week, having fully recovered and gained 1.2kg.