Name sought for lesbian couple’s chick

5 January 2010

Tourism Dunedin is taking name suggestions for the albatross chick expected to hatch later this month to same sex parents.

All entries will be passed on to the Royal Albatross Centre for consideration. Entries can be made on Dunedinnz facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/dunedinnz/210497245089?ref=ts) or by emailing hmollins@tourismdunedin.co.nz.

Last month conservation rangers in New Zealand confirmed two female royal albatrosses are incubating an egg on the Otago Peninsula, the world’s only mainland breeding colony of these endangered sea birds.

The Otago Peninsula is a thirty minute drive from Dunedin city centre. Visitors can view endangered wildlife that is unique to New Zealand including the yellow eyed penguin, hectors dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Stewart Island shags.

The unusual pair can be seen at The Royal Albatross Centre who take guided tours of Taiaroa Head. Visitors learn about the breeding process and see albatross soar across the sea using their impressive three metre (9’6”) wing span. They can also board a Monarch Wildlife Cruise to see the birds reach speeds of 115kph.

Ends

For more information on the Otago Peninsula visit www.dunedinnz.com.

For more information on the Royal Albatross Centre visit www.albatross.org.nz.

For images and further information contact Heather Mollins on +61(0)4258379809 or hmollins@tourismdunedin.co.nz.