Delight As Tourist Captures Penguin 'Bucket List' Experience on Camera

A video showcasing the enchanting scene of little penguins returning to shore at dusk has captivated viewers on TikTok. Posted by TikTok user @zara.tro, the video has garnered over 259,000 views since it was shared on November 22 with its heartwarming portrayal of these creatures. The clip captures a group of little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species, waddling back toward the shore on a beach coast in New Zealand. A caption shared with the post reads: "Little blue penguins coming home for the night. they're the world's smallest penguin species! a bucket list experience in New Zealand." The footage of the magical moment left the tourist and viewers on TikTok in awe. Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. The official tourism website of New Zealand says that these little blue penguins make their way onto the beach when they return home from their day's fishing. Measuring just over 25 cm [around 9.8 inches] in height and weighing about 1 kg [2.2 pounds], they are the smallest penguin species in the world, as noted by New Zealand's Department of Conservation. The DOC says that, during the day, these penguins are typically out at sea, fishing and feeding, or in their burrows roosting, molting (shedding), or tending eggs or chicks. They are more frequently seen in sheltered harbors and inlets where they may be spotted from a boat.

Generally, they come ashore only under the cover of darkness, making this sighting particularly special. From May to June, when the penguins are pairing up and sorting out nests, they become very noisy and can sometimes be heard if one visits the coast just after dusk, the DOC says. Despite once being common in New Zealand, the population and range of little blue penguins have been declining in areas not protected from predators. The DOC notes that many of these penguins now reside on offshore islands with fewer disturbances. Where predator control is in place, populations have been stable or even increasing. However, the greatest threats to little blue penguins include dogs, cats, ferrets, stoats, and the impacts of coastal development. Penguins are also at risk of being killed when crossing coastal roads, being hit by boats, or caught in set nets.

'Phenomenal and Magical'

Viewers on TikTok were charmed by the unique and delightful scene in the viral clip. User @onegoodlookingbtc commented: "between the background scenery & witnessing the little blue penguins a combination of phenomenal & magical. lucky you queen." Amy Lyons added, "You're so lucky to have seen this," while yogi bear wrote: "Best thing I've seen for ages." Other users shared similar sentiments of amazement and appreciation. DW Around The World | Traveler posted, "How adorable is this," and Bee simply said: "Precious little angels." Another commenter, @bloodshotnz, wrote: "we are so spoiled to share our world with these amazing creatures." User authentically_annette poetically concluded: "So special! May the moon always guide them safely home every day." Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.