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