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An extremely hot spring and summer meant the last breeding season was heartbreaking for all those involved in guarding the Royal Albatross colony at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head.
Only 13 chicks fledged. There is a silver lining though, with a record number of more than 50 eggs laid this season, after many of the unsuccessful breeders from 2017/18 returned for another attempt.
Sophie Barker is the Royal Albatross Centre's marketing manager and she updates us on how the season's progressing and measures taken to reduce the impact of the next long hot summer on the precious albatross.