FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
02 December 2025
Yorke Bay Gentoo Colony – open to the public
In October the site of the Gentoo Colony at Yorke Bay was closed due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) causing significant penguin mortality. The Veterinary Service and the Departments of Agriculture and Environment have recently reviewed the situation and as the mortality rate has decreased significantly, the response has been downgraded from Level 3 to Level 1. This means that Yorke Bay is still declared an infected place but access by the public is allowed again as long as biosecurity measures are observed.
The outbreak of HPAI has caused significant losses at the Yorke Bay Gentoo colony and the colony has suffered a severe decline.The Government continues to monitor the health of the remaining non-breeding Gentoo penguins.
The public is welcome to visit the area but are reminded to:
- Not enter the roped area
- Remain at least 10 metres away from any wildlife species
- Follow all posted signage and biosecurity guidelines
- Follow the Guidelines for Penguin Colonies 2025-2026 https://www.gov.fk/environment/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/09/Guidelines-for-Penguin-Colonies-2025-2026.pdf
- NOT TOUCH dead or sick birds
Report any dead or sick birds to the Veterinary Services on 27366 (or 55366 out of hours)
Further information and guidance about bird flu, including preventative measures to reduce the spread of the virus, can be found at: https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza
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ENDS