Warning this story contains images some may find distressing.
Forest and Bird have issued a stern warning to dog owners after two kororā, or little blue penguins, were found mauled to death on Wellington's coast.
The kororā are protected species under the Wildlife Act. The Department of Conservation (DoC) says dogs are likely their "greatest threat".
Forest and Bird - Places for Penguins shared the two deaths on their Facebook page after members of the public found the penguins dead last week at Oruaiti Reserve, in Seatoun.
"A necropsy by the vets at Wellington Zoo revealed catastrophic internal injuries and multiple puncture wounds, indicating the cause of death matched that of a dog attack."
The kororā, male and female, were both "healthy weights", which meant the pair were in "good condition" and likely "ready for the upcoming breeding season".
The two deaths are the second time in as many months Forest and Bird said. A result of a "dog and irresponsible dog ownership".
"Places for Penguins, in collaboration with several other dedicated groups and individuals, are working towards creating better, more clear signage around our shores, and reevaluating areas where dogs are allowed off lead for the protection of our wildlife," the Facebook post said.
"We cannot allow these tragedies to continue to happen."
Forest and Bird - Place for Penguins urges anyone who sees dead kororā around Wellington to contact DoC and Places for Penguins and report it.
DoC's website said the kororā's population has been declining in areas not protected from predators.
"Where predator control is in place, populations have been stable or increasing."
Other threats to the species are cats, ferrets and stoats. The threat increased with more coastal development bringing more dogs and the clearance of traditional nesting sites.
The two deaths are likely another blow to the fragile native species.
