Wellington Zoo halts penguin encounters amid bird flu precautions

Author: Sammy Carter - RNZ,
Publish Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2026, 3:32pm

Wellington zoo has cancelled about 15 close encounter bookings with kororā blue penguins after two bird flu cases in the region. Photo / RNZ, Baz Macdonald

By Sammy Carter of RNZ

Wellington Zoo has cancelled all close encounters with kororā blue penguins as it takes precautionary measures against the H5N1 bird flu strain.

The first of two confirmed cases of the virus – a brown skua – was brought to Wellington Zoo for testing earlier this month.

The zoo said it has canned about 15 close encounter bookings.

Animal science manager Simon Eyre said they are taking measures to protect their most at-risk species – the top of the list being the blue penguin.

The experience costs $129 per person for 30 minutes, and was the first close encounter with a native species the zoo had offered.

To protect the penguins, Eyre said all staff working with them have to change into clean footwear, gloves, and suits.

“I know we’ve done everything we can, but obviously they are our most at-risk species that we have here.”

He said the zoo is unable to vaccinate the animals, only the Department of Conservation can do this for the time being.

The zoo said it will also put up signs telling visitors not to feed ducks.

It said it wanted to avoid encouraging ducks on the grounds, as they are a high risk for spreading the virus.

The zoo’s wildlife hospital, The Nest, is being used by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for disease surveillance.

It has been testing about 25 birds a month, brought in by the public, for the flu.

Eyre said the samples, which are collected by MPI, are gathered with two swabs – similar to those used during Covid-19 testing. One swab is put in the roof of the bird’s mouth and the other in their rear end.

Eyre said the virus also makes him concerned for some of their carnivores, who eat raw chicken. He said they have to make sure their chicken supply is not infected, and safe for the animals to eat.

No new cases

MPI has confirmed there are no new cases to report.

In an update on Monday, MPI chief veterinary officer Dr Mary van Andel said there was also no evidence of mass mortality of wildlife or any detections in poultry.

Van Andel said the public continues to call in sightings of dead or unwell birds, and these were being assessed.

She said MPI experts were triaging these according to international standards such as instances of multiple cases; certain species such as seabirds, waterfowl, or birds that congregate in large groups; and from certain priority locations.

“Our testing is focused on tracking the movement of bird flu so we can help protect our poultry industry and support DoC’s work with native wildlife,” she said.

“Building a precise picture through our extensive continuing surveillance and testing will allow egg and chicken producers in different parts of the country to make good decisions about what biosecurity measures are best for them to protect their flocks and keep operating.”

This story was first published on rnz.co.nz