Penguins aren't pets - DoC

Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Department of Conservation is reminding people penguins can't be domesticated after several sick birds were taken to family homes to be nursed back to health.

Blue penguins have recently been spotted stranded on Bay of Plenty beaches.

Spokesman Chris Clarke says it's part of an annual cycle of nature and many penguins get tired and swim ashore to rest.

He says by taking them, you are at risk of catching diseases.

Mr Clark says the best thing to do is move stranded penguins up into a shaded area away from the public.

- Newstalk ZB