Injured Penguin Named ‘Bridge’ Finds New Home at New Zealand Wildlife Centre

A kororā, also known as a little penguin or little blue penguin, rescued from the Auckland Harbour Bridge in late January has found a new permanent home at the Franz Josef West Coast Wildlife Centre. The penguin, now affectionately named Bridge, required a flipper amputation after sustaining an injury believed to have been caused by a predatory fish attack.

Rescue and Initial Treatment

The injured penguin was discovered standing in the bus lane at the base of the Auckland Harbour Bridge by a motorist who carefully collected the bird and contacted the Department of Conservation (DOC). Auckland Zoo’s veterinary hospital then took the penguin into its care. Auckland Zoo reported that despite the injury to his right flipper, the penguin was in good condition.

Amputation and Recovery

Veterinarians determined the flipper injury was approximately two weeks old and decided to amputate the flipper at the shoulder joint to prevent further infection. The procedure, lasting just under an hour, was complicated by the penguin being in moult, which increases blood flow and the risk of bleeding. Following the surgery, Bridge received antibiotics and pain relief for several weeks to aid in healing. 1News reported on the successful surgery and recovery.

A New Life at Franz Josef

As penguins cannot survive in the wild with only one flipper, Auckland Zoo sought a permanent home for Bridge. After a month of care, he was flown to the Franz Josef West Coast Wildlife Centre to join a colony, including another little penguin named Stumpy who also has a missing flipper. NZCity News confirmed Bridge’s arrival at the centre on March 13, 2026.

The Franz Josef West Coast Wildlife Centre described Bridge as a “survivor with attitude” and noted he can be “a little bitey at times.” They also shared that Stumpy is “adorable” and “cheeky.”

Kororā Conservation Status

Little blue penguins, the smallest penguin species, are facing increasing threats from rising sea temperatures and overfishing. 1News highlighted the species’ struggle for survival.