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Fiordland Penguin Mr. Munro made news headlines after he was found sick and drastically underweight following a heroic 2000km swim from New Zealand. He was found on Hargraves Beach at Norah Head in November 2006 and was brought to Taronga Zoos Wildlife Clinic to be nursed back to health.

Munro and female companions Chalky and Milford are the only Fiordland Crested Penguins to be cared for by a Zoo anywhere in the world. Fiordlands are listed as a ‘vulnerable' species and are only found in the wet coastal rainforests of New Zealand's Fiordland and Stewart Islands.

Zoo visitors have recently been surprised to discover Munro and his companions walking throughout the Zoo grounds as part of their exercise routine. Their path takes them all over the Zoo, and they frequently come across Zoo visitors who are fascinated to see the trio explore their surrounds.

Zoo Keepers use the opportunity to educate visitors about the threats facing the Fiordland Penguins such as climate change and introduced predators, and to let people see the uniqueness of this species.

Taronga has high hopes for Munro, as he is about to take part in a planned breeding program with the females.

The Zoo is hoping that Munro will mate with one of the females and breed a new generation of Fiordland Crested Penguins, providing the unique opportunity to study the breeding and brooding behaviour and habits of these shy and elusive penguins.

Marine keeper Elly said: "Milford has definitely taken a shine to Mr. Munro and bosses Chalky around whenever she gets close to him, but being a typical boy, Munro is definitely a loveable rogue and is happy to receive attention from both of his female companions."

"We are hoping that Munro and the girls will breed as they are the only three in zoo populations and there are less than 1,000 breeding pairs in the wild."