The yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho, has won New Zealand's 2024 Bird of the Year contest, marking its second victory after first winning in 2019. With fewer than 5,000 individuals left, the hoiho is considered the world's rarest penguin and is critically endangered, facing threats from climate change, predators, and diseases. The campaign, led by various local groups, garnered 6,328 votes, surpassing the karure and kākāpō. The victory aims to raise awareness and support for conservation efforts, as the hoiho's population has declined by 78% over the past 15 years. This year's competition saw significant local engagement and avoided past controversies involving foreign interference.