A golden-eyed, endangered penguin has once again been named New Zealand's Bird of the Year after a competition involving bird costumes, craft beer and Dr. Jane Goodall.

The noisy-but-shy bird, known as the hoiho, has earned the most votes for a second time amid threats to its survival

The hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin won New Zealand's annual Bird of the Year vote, after a fierce contest without the foreign interference and controversies that have upset the country's avian elections before.

Hoiho was endorsed by former prime minister and legendary conservationists, making it highest-powered campaign of the 2024 vote

The notoriously shy yellow-eyed bird edged out other New Zealand birds to win the annual competition designed to raise awareness of threatened species.

The yellow-eyed penguin, known as hoiho, secured New Zealand’s Bird of the Year award, drawing attention to its endangered status. With a population drop of 78% in 15 years, this recognition is timely.

A shy yellow-eyed penguin has come out on top of one of New Zealand's most contested competitions to win Bird of the Year. More than 50,000 people voted in the competition - which has in the past seen its fair share of scandal - including claims of foreign interference and allegations of cheating.

The yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho, has won New Zealand's Bird of the Year 2024, earning 6,328 votes. Known as the world's rarest penguin, it beat the Chatham Island black robin and the kakapo. Despite a decline in population due to predators and climate change,

The birds, sometimes referred to as hoihos, have dropped in numbers by 78% over the past 15 years - with one campaigner hoping its victory in the competition will lead to "tangible support".