DOC appeals for help in Oamaru kororā death

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  07 October 2025

DOC is working with police in Oamaru to identify what caused the death of the kororā after a witness reported suspicious vehicle activity on The Esplanade in Oamaru between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm that night. The witness retrieved the injured penguin, which was initially alive, but died soon after.

DOC Ōtepoti/Dunedin Operations manager Gabe Davies says they are particularly interested in video, CCTV or mobile phone footage which could help determine what happened and provide evidence for a potential prosecution under the Wildlife Act.

“Kororā are such precious birds and are the world’s smallest penguins. The death of this penguin appears to be a shockingly senseless act. They live and nest so close to an urban environment and are a popular tourist attraction. They are threatened and in decline and should be protected by the public and not put further at risk,” he says.

Gabe Davies wants to remind people that everyone has a part to play when out ‘naturing’ in the coming months. He says with more wildlife nesting and living next to coastal highways, it’s very important for drivers to be more aware and to watch out for penguins, sea lions and other species on the road.

“We are heading into a busy summer season and it’s shocking that these incidents keep occurring. Police are still investigating the deaths of three sea lions/pakake which were shot near the mouth of the Waitaki River in August. All three had wounds consistent with being shot by a firearm. While thankfully these types of appalling incidents are rare, we get too many reports of people not acting in a respectful way towards New Zealand’s precious native wildlife,” he says.

“If anyone has any information regarding the recent kororā death, please call 0800 DOC HOT number. I’d also like to remind the public to call us if they witness anyone threatening wildlife. Don’t wait until after the fact, call us or the police immediately.”

The maximum penalty for killing a protected species like the kororā is two years imprisonment, a fine of $100,000 or both.

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