The adorable moment a group of the world’s smallest penguins waddled out of the sea has been captured on camera.
Zara T was visiting Taiaroa Head, close to Dunedin in New Zealand’s South Island, when she decided to stay for the sunset.
The 30-year-old was perched on the dunes, overlooking the ocean, when she noticed something emerging from the sea.
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Upon closer inspection, she discovered it was a group of the world’s smallest penguins, the eudyptula minor, otherwise known as kororā or ‘little blue penguins’.
Zara captured the incredible moment on camera before sharing it to TikTok, where the clip has gathered over 202,000 views.
“Takiharuru beach has a population of over 300 breeding pairs of kororā, who come to the beach to nest and feed their chicks,” Zara, from Wellington, New Zealand, told What’s The Jam.
“They are the world’s smallest penguins, around 25cm and 1kg, and they are native to New Zealand.
“I captured them on video coming ashore and making their way to their burrows.”
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The encounter left her feeling amazed.
She said: “Seeing the penguins was on my bucket list for years.
“I had previously heard them around their burrows in Wellington, but have never been lucky enough to spot them.
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“A trip to the South Island was a perfect opportunity for this special experience.”
Zara captioned her post: “Little blue penguins coming home for the night. They’re the worlds smallest penguin species! A bucket list experience in New Zealand.”
In the video, the adorable little animals can be seen making their way up the beach.
They all waddle to the dunes before finding their burrows to feed their babies.
The beautiful sunset can be seen in the distance, as well as the smooth, peaceful water.
It has gained over 28,100 likes and hundreds of comments from users.
One person said: “Cute.”
Bee added: “Precious little angels.”
Frankie commented: “Darlings.”
Jill wrote: “I’ve always wanted to see this but never have.”
Annette said: “So special! May the moon always guide them safely home every day.”
Ian added: “Oh my god this is too cute.”
Someone else wrote: “How beautiful.”
Amy commented: “You’re so lucky to have seen this.”
In New Zealand, the little penguins are protected by law and the ongoing predator control.
She added: “Please, if you see a penguin, do not disturb it.
“For tangata whenua, the indigenous people of the land, Takiharuru is a sacred and special place.”
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