DOC is asking beachgoers and their dogs to give korora/little blue penguins space when they come ashore to moult.

Korora adults come ashore between November and March to shed their feathers and grow a new waterproof coat, which takes about two to three weeks.

They are especially vulnerable to predation from dogs during their moult, as they cannot swim.

Not to worry if you see scruffy penguins, but to keep yourself and your dogs away from them, says DOC technical advisor ecology Bruce McKinlay.

“DOC often gets calls about sick-looking penguins at this time of year, but they’re almost always moulting,” he says.

“While it doesn’t look pretty, this is a natural part of the bird’s life cycle, and they grow a new waterproof coat within two weeks.

“The best thing to do is leave them be, and ensure they are undisturbed during their moult.”

While korora are the most common sight for moulting, other species such as crested penguins/ tawaki and even adelie penguins may also be spotted coming ashore in some areas.

You can help to keep penguins safe by leashing your dog around penguin areas, keeping dogs away from nests, and warning others nearby of the location.

If you see unleashed dogs in penguin areas, or people harassing penguins, call 0800 DOC HOT or contact your local DOC office.