The Otago Peninsula is so inextricably linked to the northern royal albatross. New Zealand is considered the world's albatross capital with 17 species found throughout its waters and territories, and 11 species breed here. Dunedin's Otago Peninsula is also home to the world's only mainland royal albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head. The Royal Albatross Centre's marketing manager, Sophie Barker, said albatross - though not real ones - would be invading Dunedin's Octagon today to mark World Albatross Day and as a way of bringing the Royal Albatross Centre to the people, because too often the people of Dunedin would not travel to the albatross. There are only 20,000 northern royal albatross throughout the world, and they are considered an endangered species.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 18, 2020 20:37 UTC