The National Aquarium of Aotearoa has named little penguin Dora as Penguin of the year following a "landslide" election.
In a post on Instagram, the Napier-based aquarium announced that, after thousands of votes from across the globe, little penguin (kōrora) Dora took the title, with over 25 percent of the votes going to her.
Dora, who was abandoned at only five days old, has grown up at the National Aquarium - and since has brought a lot of personality to Penguin Cove, the penguin enclosure.
Dora's been crowned naughty penguin of the month three times this year.
"First for wanting to stay in bed all day, then for stealing the limelight during our keeper talks, followed by having a continued vendetta against the male keepers. She really has been demonstrating why she's the princess of Penguin Cove"
The National Aquarium said Dora is an "independent single lady" who often sits at the front of the pool in Penguin Cove to greet all the guests.
"Congratulations Dora, you'll be getting a special treat of extra fish (which you'll probably want served to you on a silver platter no doubt!)," said the aquarium on Instagram.
Fans of Dora were quick to congratulate her on Instagram.
"Dora is a Queen!!!!"
"Dora sounds like she is a pure boss lady and we are all very proud of how far she's come," said another.
"Queen Dora!!!"
Although one person took a less celebratory approach, saying they were disappointed Dora took the crown over another penguin.
"This was rigged! Mo was robbed."
