Royal Albatross Colony

Otago

The Royal Albatross Centre is situated at the bottom of Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula. It is the only mainland breeding colony of these massive seabirds in the world. To sight a soaring albatross is unforgettable - a spectacle touched with a dignity and majesty no other bird can excel. Held aloft on slim wings up to 3m (9'6") across, the great albatross is capable of swooping speeds of at least 115k/h plus. It is pure ecstasy in the air, yet distinctly clumsy on the ground. The social and family life of the breeding colony is fascinating. Chicks, delicious white balls of fluff are fussed over by devoted parents; adolescents party, just like adolescents everywhere; courtships proceed with lots of kissing and cuddling and ‘marriage’ is usually for life despite long separations at sea. And the life of an albatross is indeed long - one bird at Taiaroa, fondly known as ‘Grandma’, raised her last chick at age 62! Albatrosses on remote storm-bound islands have little to fear, but when these large, conspicuous birds nest near a city it presents a very different situation. Between 1914 and 1919 Royal Albatrosses were known to land at Taiaroa Head, and in 1920 the first egg was found there. In 1937, Dr L.E. Richdale, an ornithologist of Dunedin, strove to protect the colony from interference. His efforts were rewarded in 1938 when the first Taiaroa-reared chick flew. The colony is now home to 130 birds and hosts thousands of visitors who enjoy this unique experience.