Penguins predict election outcome

Penguins predict election outcome at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's

It’s set to be a close race between the National Party and the Labour Party when Prime Minister Bill English and Jacinda Ardern go head-to-head in New Zealand’s general election on Saturday 23 September.

Keen to have their say, Gentoo penguins from SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Auckland were put to the test to predict which candidate was likely to take the top position this weekend.

Given the choice to choose a red (Labour) or blue (National) pebble to place in their nest, the group of Gentoo penguins couldn’t quite put their flipper on who was going to win at first.

Whilst the Labour Party started strong, the National Party proved to be the favourite, suggesting Prime Minister Bill English would lead the conservatives into their tenth consecutive year in government. See the full video here.

So are the Kelly Tarlton’s penguins politically correct? We’ll have to wait until Saturday to find out …

Kelly Tarlton’s is home to the world's largest Antarctic penguin colony display, with birds ranging from the sub-Antarctic Islands right down to the Antarctic Peninsula. The local attraction is also responsible for the only Gentoo penguin breeding program in New Zealand.

As part of this breeding program, penguin keepers at Kelly Tarlton’s put out stones so that the couples can build nests in anticipation of their new arrivals. Once decided, the males carry a stone and place it at the feet of their chosen mate to build their nests.

Weighing between 5 and 7kgs each and standing tall at 75 -90cm, Gentoo penguins are easily recognised by the wide white stripe extending like a bonnet across the top of its head. The birds are currently listed as "near threatened" on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List.

Guests can meet the Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, or get up close and personal in an intimate on-the-ice Penguin Encounter. For more information, visithttps://www.kellytarltons.co.nz

ENDS

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