Four new ancient penguin species identified from North Canterbury fossils

StuffRNZThe PressWednesday 13 August 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated

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Researchers have identified four new species of ancient penguins from fossils found in the Waipara Valley. The findings suggest that approximately 62 million years ago, North Canterbury was home to a diverse range of penguins, including some with large, pointed beaks.

How they headlined it

First reported by Stuff, Wed 13 Aug 2025, 9:31am · 3 reports from 3 outlets over 19 minutes
  1. StuffStuff

    Ancient NZ was a paradise for penguins with giant beaks, discovery shows (opens in new tab)

  2. RNZRNZ

    Dagger beaks and strong wings: New fossils rewrite the penguin story and affirm NZ as a cradle of their evolution (opens in new tab)

  3. The PressThe Press

    Four new species of ancient penguin identified from North Canterbury fossils (opens in new tab)