New Zealand Names Bird of the Year After Contest with Costumes, Beer

On September 16, the hoiho, commonly known as the yellow-eyed penguin, has once again been named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year in a festive competition characterized by creative bird costumes, unique craft beer, and the enthusiastic endorsement of renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall.

This marks the second time the hoiho has secured this accolade, having first won in 2019. The title was announced after a competition that showcased the penguin’s charm and character, captivating the hearts of people across New Zealand.

Nicola Toki, the chief executive of Forest & Bird, the organization that promoted the hoiho, expressed her excitement about the outcome, stating, “In a competition that was any bird’s to win, they showed up with the goods to capture hearts and minds across Aotearoa.”

The promotion effort for the hoiho involved various local entities, including a museum, a rugby team, and a brewery that created a special beer in honor of what they called the “people’s penguin.” This unique approach succeeded in drawing attention to the penguin’s plight while also celebrating its endearing qualities.

The victory was a remarkable achievement for the hoiho, which faced fierce competition. The runner-up was the karure, represented by a student organization from a local university, which utilized bird costumes and engaging memes to garner support.

Sadly, the hoiho is in a precarious situation, with its population plummeting by nearly 80% over the last 15 years. Toki highlighted the urgent challenges facing this unique species, saying, “Hoiho are being hammered from all angles.”

She elaborated on the numerous threats confronting the penguins, including diseases such as diphtheria and attacks from domestic dogs. Vulnerable chicks are particularly at risk from introduced predators like cats, stoats, and ferrets, which can devastate entire breeding sites in a single season.

Dr. Jane Goodall also voiced her support for the hoiho, reinforcing the significance of this honor. In previous years, the Bird of the Year competition has drawn attention from various celebrities; last year, comedian John Oliver campaigned for the Puteketeke, dubbing it “bird of the century” through his own elaborate promotion efforts.

While New Zealand celebrates the return of the hoiho as Bird of the Year, it also highlights the urgent call for conservation efforts to protect this endangered species and its habitat. As advocates rally around this unique bird, raising awareness about its plight becomes a vital part of the conversation.

The competition itself serves as a reminder of the connection New Zealanders have with their native wildlife and the broader efforts needed to ensure that species like the hoiho are protected for future generations. Events like these not only foster community spirit but also focus attention on the critical environmental issues facing such species.

As the hoiho takes the spotlight once again, its story resonates beyond the competition, advocating for action and awareness in the ongoing efforts to conserve the rich biodiversity of New Zealand.