Following a very successful day of landings on Macquarie Island yesterday, National Geographic Orion has begun its journey north to Stewart Island. Today’s conversations were filled with excitement from yesterday’s sightings of elephant seals, king penguins, royal penguins, and even killer whales.
This morning Luke Gadd, Department of Conservation Observer, presented on his first-hand involvement in the conservation program that has led to the successful population recovery of many species on Macquarie; just a decade ago several penguin and other seabird species were at risk due to introduced rats, mice, and rabbits. Guests had a wonderful day watching seabirds and attending talks by naturalists Mada Patacha, Gus Anning, and Connor Ryan. This evening the crew treated guests to live music and dancing, following dinner.
