Today, I completed Wednesday’s Step It Up activity on the endangered animals. For this task, I chose an endangered animal and made a conservation video using Google Vids. The reason I chose the Hoiho because it remind me of St. John Youth Cadet, it is a native New Zealand bird. I live in Christchurch and I know there are some Hoiho in Banks Peninsular which inspire me to learn more about them. It took me a while to get things right and I learnt a few facts along the way. Here are the little fun facts about Hoiho I learnt.
1. They’re the shyest penguins in the world
Hoiho avoid noise and people — they prefer quiet, hidden coastal forests.
2. Their name means “noise shouter”
Even though they’re shy, their call is SUPER loud. That’s why Māori named them Hoiho.
3. They’re one of the rarest penguins on Earth
Only a few hundred breeding pairs remain, mostly in the South Island.
4. They don’t live in big colonies
Unlike other penguins, Hoiho nest far apart — sometimes 50–100 metres between nests.
5. They can dive really deep
Hoiho can dive over 100 metres to catch fish and squid.
6. They have the longest breeding season of any penguin
They spend months raising their chicks — way longer than most penguin species.
7. They’re the tallest penguins in New Zealand
Hoiho can stand up to 65cm tall.
8. Their yellow eyes help them see underwater
The pale yellow iris gives them better underwater vision for hunting.
9. They walk through forests
Hoiho are one of the few penguins that regularly walk through bush and scrub, not just beaches.
10. They’re older than you think
Hoiho can live up to 20 years in the wild if they stay healthy and safe.
11. They’re on the $5 New Zealand note
One side is the picture of Sir Edmund Hillary and the other side is a Hoiho.
This is my conservation video on the Hoiho.
How many Hoiho can you spot in the whole video?