The back scene of adopting a penguin
2021 - January 18th by Geraldine
“How can I adopt a penguin? What does that mean? What do I need to do? How much will it cost me?” are probably some of the questions you might have in mind when looking at our “Adopt a Penguin” program… In this blog you will be able to have an insight into the back scene of your adoption. But let’s first assist you with your adoption process…
What is a penguin adoption?
First things first: I know it might seem obvious to most of all but “adopting” a penguin is actually a symbolic adoption. Penguins are wild animals so they need to live in their own environment, catch their own food and interact with their own kind as long as they are healthy enough to do so. Actually, unless penguins are hosted in a zoo (which is a different situation) or in rehabilitation for a short time (under a special permit) minimal interaction with human beings is best.
Then I am sorry to say you won’t be able to cuddle a cute penguin on your sofa… However, you are allowed to cuddle a penguin toy… No one will judge you for that J
Adopting a penguin in the Pohatu colony is like a sponsorship, a donation towards our Conservation charity “Helps Pohatu Conservation Trust” to help towards conservation costs.
Donations help cover a range of our conservation needs from:
In exchange, you will receive a photo of the nesting box with the name you have chosen on it - and with a bit of luck one of the penguins who lives in the nesting box - receive updates (on demand) and a newsletter at each season of you subscribe to it. Because you are donating to a registered charity, you will receive a tax rebate for your donation.
Basically “Adopt a penguin” allows you to give a huge help to endangered species from the comfort of your home!
What do I need to do to adopt a penguin?
On our website, click the “Adopt” button at the top of the home page. Alternatively, click on this link: https://www.pohatu.co.nz/Donation+-+Adopt+a+penguin.html
Once you are on the “Adopt” page you have the choice between 3 types of donation (see on the right side on the screen). Hover on the 3 different penguin drawings and it will explain what each donation involves.
If you live in or near Akaroa or passing by you can also pop in in our booking office and we can do it for you.
Choose your adoption pack: Digital or Snail Mail?
Adopt a penguin - Digital Pack: you will receive everything by email
You can then decide to print the documents yourself or keep everything on your computer.
Adopt a penguin - Snail Mail Pack: you will receive everything by post already printed for you + a couple of bonuses ;)
Donation: This isn’t an adoption but allows you to donate the amount you choose towards the same conservation efforts from $1
Once you have decided on your Package, simply click the “Sponsor” button. This will lead you to our secured online booking System. Click on “Buy Now” then you will have to choose your option again.
How much will it cost me?
You can adopt a penguin from $85 with the Digital pack. The Snail Mail is a bit more expensive at $110 to cover the cost of printing and shipping. If you have already adopted, the Renewal costs you only $75.
You can also donate the amount to choose to help towards our conservation efforts from $1 (please note this isn’t an adoption)
Choosing a name for your penguin
Because you adopt a penguin in a specific nesting box in the colony, we display the name you have chosen on the box.
Before finalising your adoption, you can already provide us with the chosen name for your penguin. This will allow you to receive the photo of your nesting box with the name displayed on it as soon as possible. Use the “Penguin Name” box. If you haven’t decided on the name at the time of the booking no problem, you can get back to us when you are ready. Maybe you would like someone else to choose (in the case of a Gift for someone – see below).
Once the name is chosen, you can get back to us by email: tours@pohatu.co.nz with your name and the booking reference number. The name will be displayed on a wooden tag screwed on the box just like the photo below.
Please note that the name is for one penguin in the nest. Each nest can accommodate 2 adult penguins male/female. Examples of penguin names we have received in the past include: “Blue”, “Munchkin”, “Little Pengy”, “Puddles”, “Penny”, “Carter”, “Yoda”, “Aria”, “Guin Stefani”...
Adopting for someone else – Gift
It is becoming very popular to offer an adoption for a special occasion: Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, Mother or Father’s Day… or just to be kind anytime in the year! Great for people who want a last-minute present as we can send everything (Digital Pack) within 48 hours. Please note that the photo with the label usually takes longer (can take a couple of weeks) for both packs.
In that case, tick the box “This is a gift for someone” then enter the giftee details. The certificate and thank you letter will be under the name of the giftee. The person paying the adoption will receive a separate letter with tax rebate on it.
Specify in the “Comments” box any details we need to know or a special message to the person that will be written on the “Thank you” letter.
For example: “Christmas present for my son. He will choose the name later…” "Happy Birthday to you Jerry!"
Important advice:
“Snail Mail” Pack: If you want to make sure you get everything on time for a present, please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for the pack to arrive at destination especially if you live oversea. And especially around Christmas time!
Everything is in our hands now!
Your adoption is now complete! Congratulations, you now belong to the family of Pohatu Penguins’ donors!
As soon as we receive the name for your adopted nesting box, we create a wooden tag. Then, one of our guides will go in Pohatu/Flea Bay to choose a nesting box in the colony and put the label on.
We will send updates on the whole penguin colony and our conservation work at different times of the year. To get updates on your own penguin, you can email us at any time and just ask!
Remember to use the link we send you by email to subscribe to the newsletter, this will allow you to receive 4 updates per year on the colony with photos and little stories...
Labels ready to be fixed on boxes
Things to know:
Our best adopters and supporters
Getting children involved with endangered wildlife and conservation efforts is something we value a lot in our philosophy.
Since we started the “Adopt a penguin” program we have had the pleasure to communicate with wonderful young people dedicated to protect their world. We would like to honour these wonderful children in this blog and with their family permission we are sharing some of their best shots!
Daisy and her amazing penguins’ toy collection
Daisy’s nesting box and the chicks “Puddles” well watched by the other inhabitants of the bay!
Sawyer and his family wearing their best tee-shirts!
Sawyer’s nesting box “Blue” and its occupants
Eden & Ryan did a project around penguins with the support of their mum. They have adopted a nest in the Pohatu colony that they have named “Penny Pohutukawa”
They are sharing great ideas of activities with a penguin theme. Read their project by clicking on the link.
“Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will ever see...” Elijah Cummings