This incredibly cute Little Blue Penguin Hand Puppet contains a sound chip of a recording of the Little Blue Penguin (Korora).

Kids love play with these toys, especially because they make actual bird sounds.  And it's wonderful for them to be able to play with toys that are based on actual native New Zealand birds.

The Little Penguin ( commonly called the Little Blue or just Blue Penguin) typically grows to only 43cm (17") and a weight of 1 kg (2.2lb). 

The Little Penguins breed along our entire coastline, including the area around ShopNZ.com.  We've seen one at our local beach.  They have an average lifespan of 6-7 years, though they can live up to 20 years.

Little Blue Penguins are mainly inshore feeders, preferring the warmer water, but travel and dive extensively hunting fish, squid, and other sea animals.  Little Penguins live in large colonies and they remain faithful to their partner once breeding commences at around 3-4 years.  During the first 3 weeks the chicks are attended to constantly, and left to their own devices when aged 8 weeks.