Wellington Zoo Launches Fundraiser for Storm-Injured Birds

The influx of over 30 injured seabirds has overwhelmed the zoo's resources.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Wellington Zoo has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to support the care of more than thirty birds injured during last week's severe weather. The zoo's lead vet says the primary medical challenge is organ system failure, often manifesting as digestive issues, and that the demand for emergency care is straining the zoo's finances as a non-profit organization.

Why it matters

The impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable seabird populations is a significant conservation concern, as the long-term recovery of species like the Northern Royal Albatross requires substantial effort to rehabilitate injured individuals.

The details

A number of albatrosses, petrels, and penguins were swept up at sea or blown ashore during the storm. The zoo's lead vet, Shanna Rose, says the main problem they are dealing with is organ system failures, particularly issues with the birds' digestive systems. The influx of patients has overwhelmed the zoo's resources, with some birds currently receiving treatment in plastic tubs.

  • The severe weather event occurred more than a week ago.
  • Injured birds continue to arrive at the zoo, with the most critically ill birds arriving later.

The players

Wellington Zoo

A not-for-profit organization that relies on visitor revenue and donations to fund its operations, including the Te Kōhanga The Nest hospital clinic which costs approximately one million dollars to operate each year.

Shanna Rose

The lead vet at Wellington Zoo who is overseeing the treatment of the injured birds.

Northern Royal Albatross

One of the largest seabirds in the world, which requires substantial effort to rehabilitate due to its long life expectancy and low reproductive rate.

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What they’re saying

“The main problem that we have to deal with after they've crashed landed are organ systems failures. And we quite often see that their guts have stopped working. So a very complicated process to get them back on track.”

— Shanna Rose, Lead Vet, Wellington Zoo

“Big, big weather events don't happen often and it is a real drain on our resourcing and our finances. Wellington Zoo is a not for profit, so we rely on people visiting and donations to help fund the work that we do here.”

— Erin Reilly, Wellington Zoo

What’s next

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The takeaway

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