The outbreak of HPAI, identified last month, has caused significant losses and the colony has suffered a severe decline.
Last year the colony supported around 180 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins and surveys undertaken on 31 October and 3 November confirm no breeding pairs remain.
All nests that had been occupied have since been abandoned. Several dozen non-breeding gentoo penguins are recorded at the colony and the Falkland Islands Government says it continues to monitor their health closely. A further review is planned for 17 November.
FIG confirms the area remains closed to the public and remains declared an ‘infected place’.
The public are reminded to:
- Remain at least six metres away from any wildlife species
- NOT TOUCH dead or sick birds
- Report any dead or sick birds to the Veterinary Services on 27366 (or 55366 out of hours)
(picture taken in 2024)
