Penguin found on Auckland Harbour Bridge bus lane has flipper amputated, rehomed

A penguin had its flipper amputated after being found on a bus lane of Auckland’s harbour bridge.

In late January, the wild kororā (little penguin) was discovered on the busy Auckland motorway bridge by a motorist.

The driver pulled over and collected the bird from the bus lane at the base of the bridge, where it was standing, and contacted the Department of Conservation, who arranged for it to be brought directly to Auckland Zoo.

This wild little penguin was rescued after being found injured on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Photo / Auckland Zoo

Upon examination, the zoo vet discovered an injury to the right flipper.

“Despite this, our patient was bright and strong, with good body condition, and was given pain relief, fluids and food via tube.”

It was decided to amputate the flipper at the shoulder to prevent further injury or infection, the zoo said on Facebook.

A penguin found on the Auckland Harbour Bridge had its right flipper amputated to prevent further injury or infection. Photo / Auckland Zoo

Vets estimated the penguin had the injury for two weeks.

The one-hour operation went smoothly, and over the next few weeks, the penguin received antibiotics and pain relief to support healing.

The zoo said one-flippered penguins were not able to survive in the wild so staff searched for a new home.

The penguin was in the care of Auckland Zoo for a month before he was rehomed at West Coast Wildlife Centre. Photo / Auckland Zoo

After a month in Auckland Zoo’s care, the penguin was flown south to the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef to join their colony.

The bird was joined by another little penguin, who also had one flipper.

The wildlife centre has since named the male birds Bridge and Stumpy.

Bridge, named after where he was rescued, was described as being “a little bitey at times but... a survivor with attitude”, by the wildlife centre on Facebook.

He was believed to have received his flipper injury from a predatory fish attack, the post said.

“Despite the challenges they’ve faced, both boys are resilient, cheeky, and full of personality,” the wildlife centre said.

Both birds are in quarantine for health checks and to settle in.