Penguin couple defy odds to reach 24-year anniversary
A penguin couple at Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium are only year off their silver anniversary, a rare feat as penguins don’t always mate for life
Buster and 99 have nested together for 24 years, and reared 19 babies in that time.
Their eldest Goofy will turn 24 this year.
Penguin keeper said Kristen Buckley said after 24 years together the pair have their nesting routine down pat.
“We are so happy to see Buster & 99 coupling up for yet another nesting season this year – as they are our longest-standing couple in the Gentoo Penguin colony,” she said.
“Year after year we see them sharing the nest building and egg incubating responsibilities like the seasoned parents they are!”
Buckley said it is crucial that penguins make sure they are with good partner.
“Unlike other birds where one parent can raise a whole clutch of eggs by themselves, both penguin parents need to work together to successfully raise their chicks,” she said.
“They can't afford to have a partner that isn't very good at catching food or finding nesting material because this means that their chicks are very unlikely to make it to adulthood.”
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Homicide in Ponsonby
A homicide investigation is under way following the death of a man in Ponsonby on Sunday evening.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, Auckland City CIB, says emergency services responded to reports of a firearm being discharged outside an address on Ponsonby Road around 10.18pm last night.
“Upon arrival, a man was located deceased.
“Our investigation is now in the early stages to determine the full circumstances of what has occurred.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says the community can expect to see an increased Police presence in the Ponsonby area today.
“Road closures are currently in place on Ponsonby Road between Franklin and Richmond Roads and Police are assisting with traffic management.
“A scene guard has also been established and will remain in place today while our enquiries continue,” he says.
Enquiries to locate the person believed to be responsible remain ongoing.
“Police have been in the area overnight speaking to a number of witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the incident,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.
“While at this stage, no arrests have been made, Police are following lines of enquiry.”
A post-mortem examination and formal identification of the victim will be carried out over the coming days.
Police encourage anyone else who was in the area or has information to assist who have not yet spoken to us to please get in touch.
You can contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at www.police.govt.nz....
Please reference file number 240506/9353.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Caring For You Like Family
91-year-old Dora is a rest home resident at Ryman.
Between family gatherings, bus trips and village activities, she certainly enjoys a full life. With the many friendships she’s made, the caregivers and village staff have become an extension of her family.
Hear about Dora’s experience living in a Ryman community.
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