New Zealand built a tunnel for penguins

The 25m-long tunnel in Oamaru Harbor, Otago region, New Zealand helps small penguins move safely between the nest and the beach where they feed.

New Zealand completed the tunnel between the nest of small blue penguins and the beach in Oamaru Harbor, Otago region, east of the South Island. The purpose of the project is to protect penguins from traffic activities and disturbances from guests who like to take photos, according to the Guardian on 11/11.

Blue penguin (scientific name Eudyptula minor) is the world's smallest penguin with an average height of about 30cm, weighing one kilogram. They are bent forward when moving on the ground. The average life expectancy of this animal is 10 years.

Two penguins move in the tunnel at Oamaru Harbor, New Zealand.(Photo: Shelley Ogle).

Flocks of penguins catch fish in the sea but nest on land. When the sun goes down, they must cross a busy road in Oamaru Harour to return to the nest. This is also the area that attracts many people who want to observe penguins.

"There are many dangers here. So we want to create an area for people, penguins and vehicles to move freely," said Jason Gaskill, general manager of Tourism Waitaki Limited. , to speak.

Tunnel for birds was built in three weeks and completed in September this year. The building is 25m long, located along the path of the penguin that often moves.

Gaskill said the tunnel received a positive response from penguins with about 20 moving here every night.

"Penguins are habitually active animals. When they find a safe path, they tend to use it," Gaskill said.