Even penguins can procrastinate when it comes to Christmas shopping.
In a peculiar turn of events, a little blue penguin made its way into Mather’s Jewellers in Oamaru, catching co-owner Suzanne Mather by surprise.
‘‘It was most bizarre,” she shared. ‘‘I thought initially it was a duck or a pigeon, but soon found out it was a little blue penguin that had lost its way.’’
The penguin, affectionately named ‘Little Jewell,’ did not make any purchases and was safely returned to the sea by the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
Dr. Philippa Agnew, the Science and Environmental Manager, explained that such incidents are common, particularly during this time of the year.
‘‘Lately, we’ve been responding to calls a few times a week,” she mentioned. ‘‘Mostly, these are chicks that are ready to leave their nest and may wander off course.’’
It is essential for the public to understand that penguins found in town are not necessarily part of the colony.
‘‘We have two managed penguin colonies here, but the ones found in town are naturally living there,’’ Dr. Agnew clarified. ‘‘They are not lost or from our colonies; they are simply birds that breed elsewhere.’’
Dr. Agnew urged individuals who spot a penguin in town to contact the colony promptly.
