When a tiny blue penguin showed up alone on a beach in Christchurch, New Zealand, he couldn’t exactly tell people to give him some space — but thankfully, a few kind humans did it for him.
Cyclist Jeff Mein Smith first spotted the small penguin standing quietly on the sand during one of his rides along the coast. Others had noticed him, too — and some passersby weren’t keeping their dogs under control, which made the situation stressful for the little bird.
When Smith returned later, he was surprised and touched to see that a caring couple had stepped in to help. They’d placed a cardboard sign beside the penguin, politely asking everyone to keep their distance.
The sign read:
“Hi, I’m waiting for my mum to come back. [New Zealand’s Department of Conservation] knows I’m here. Please leave me alone. *Keep your dog away. Thanks, Billy the baby blue penguin.”
And sure enough, the penguin — affectionately dubbed Billy — stayed right beside the sign, as if approving the message himself.
(It was as adorable as it sounds.)
While Billy may have been waiting for his mother to return, wildlife officials soon discovered that he was probably a bit too old to still be dependent. So, the next day, they gently stepped in to help.
They found that Billy was underweight, weighing only 550 grams — about 350 grams less than a healthy penguin his age. Fortunately, the caring team at Christchurch Penguin Rehabilitation took him in and began feeding him nutritious meals to help him regain strength.
With plenty of care and rest, Billy is expected to grow stronger and eventually return to the wild — happy, healthy, and ready for a fresh start.
Little blue penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world, are protected in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation reminds everyone to admire them from afar and always keep dogs leashed near wildlife.
Thanks to a few thoughtful people and one perfectly worded sign, Billy got the help — and respect — he needed.
