Name sought for lesbian couple’s chick

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 [email protected].

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 30-minute drive from Dunedin city centre. Visitors can view endangered wildlife that is unique to New Zealand including the yellow-eyed penguin, Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Stewart Island shags.

The unusual pair can be seen at The Royal Albatross Centre which takes guided tours of Taiaroa Head. Visitors learn about the breeding process and see albatrosses 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.