The first northern royal albatross chicks of the season have fledged from Pukekura/Taiaroa Head near Dunedin, beginning years at sea before they return to land.
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation confirmed the first departures during the past week. Juveniles learn to feed off New Zealand before crossing roughly 9,000 kilometres of Pacific Ocean toward the Humboldt Current off Chile. They typically do not touch ground for about five years.
The mainland colony is globally unusual and closely managed. Last season produced a record 38 fledglings, and rangers hope this year can match that result.