The world’s one of the rarest penguin called ‘Hoiho’ has won the annual hot contest and the coveted title of New Zealand’s bird of the year.
Following two weeks of casting a ballot and excited battling in the interest of their preferred species, Kiwis have plumped for the minor yellow-eyed penguin which communicates by screaming, as their favorite friend.
The annual bird contest has been controlled by protection bunch Forest and Bird throughout the previous 14 years but this is the first time that the main win by a penguin or seabird.
The Hoiho won extra votes than there are Hoiho ultimate in the world and it took 12,022 out of the 43,460 votes made and verified.
Saying “I’m absolutely over the moon,” Thor Elley, Hoiho campaign director told AAP, “although I suppose that’s not a good analogy for a bird that can’t fly.”
The survey flaunted enormous purchase across the country with campaign teams taking on each of the birds, and prominent New Zealanders jumping on board to name their favorites. The rival Campaign teams rent billboards and create videos and memes to support their favorite feather friend.
Unlike the huddled penguins of wildlife documentaries, yellow-eyed penguins are reclusive, said Thor Elley, a campaign spokesman and a zoology student.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern was asked about the win on Monday afternoon at her weekly press conference.
“I feel inclined to congratulate the winner given it’s the first seabird that’s taken out top honors,” she said.
“Many of you will know my long standing commitment and support for the black petrel, so I’m hoping that this is paving the way for a future win for the black petrel.”
However, the victory has served to underscore the risk of its lifestyles.
> Puza Sarker Snigdha
