Shy penguin wins New Zealand’s bird election after campaign filled with memes

The hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin has won New Zealand’s annual Bird of the Year vote (Hayden Parsons via AP)

The hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, has won New Zealand’s fiercely fought avian election, offering hope to supporters of the endangered bird that recognition from its victory might prompt a revival of the species.

It followed a campaign for the annual Bird of the Year vote that was without the foreign interference scandals and cheating controversies of past polls.