Wellington Zoo has announced two new patients at its veterinary hospital are critically endangered Tawaki (Fiordland crested penguins).
The penguins, named Gonzo and Harry, were rescued on the West Coast of the South Island before being taken to Wellington Zoo.
Harry was treated for an eye injury while Gonzo had a large abdominal wound and a broken bone in her chest.
Harry's injury was particularly dangerous and could have affected his chance of survival.
"This was potentially quite a serious injury as Tawaki can't hunt with the use of only one eye," says Baukje Lenting, senior veterinarian at Wellington Zoo.
"We asked an ophthalmologist to come in and examine Harry's eye, and the prognosis is looking better than we first suspected. Harry is expected to make a full recovery."
Wellington Zoo says both penguins are improving and have healthy appetites and will be released back onto the West Coast soon.
Newshub.
