Hundreds of little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species and one that is native to New Zealand, have been washing up on the island's shores. Little penguins are a common sight in New Zealand. Die-off events in the pastThese mass die-offs of little penguins in New Zealand are not exactly new. According to a 2021 report by the DOC, "some level of mortality [of little penguins] is natural and to be expected". As such, the report stated that dead penguins can start turning up on beaches as early as November.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 15, 2022 11:06 UTC