The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) is concerned about potential smuggling after two little blue penguins were stolen from their burrow.
The raid took place at 10.30pm on January 24 at Napier on New Zealand's south coast. A witness saw a woman holding a torch while two men used a crowbar to prise open the penguins' burrow, said DOC Hawkes Bay Compliance Officer Rod Hansen.
It is suspected the crowbar was then used to hook around the penguin's necks. One bird was removed, one died in the raid and another was left behind
“We are really concerned as we believe this might not be a one-off. The very next day another penguin/kororā was found dead floating nearby and it appears it may have died from a head injury," Mr Hansen said.
“We have no idea where these birds are being taken to and we are seeking CCTV footage from the surrounding area and hoping members of the public may be able to come forward with further information.”
If the people are caught, the offence could result in imprisonment due to the protected wildlife status of penguins.
The DOC released a statement on social media, that said they were "outraged and disturbed about the reported smuggling of little blue penguins/kororā in Hawkes Bay."
Little blue penguins are the smallest species of penguin and their population is in decline.
Mr Hansen said the theft was "particularly concerning" as it is a vulnerable time for the species.
"They moult from January through to March and stay in their burrows for protection. They are nocturnal animals, and the time this offence occurred in the evening, further suggests the poachers knew exactly when best to target the birds.”
DOC is currently working with other government agencies to locate the individuals involved.
