In a state where even birds get to flex their democratic muscles, New Zealand’s latest electoral favourite is the Hoiho, the yellow-eyed penguin. Known for being as shy and introverted as it is noisy and pungent, the Hoiho has waddled its way to victory as Bird of the Year 

This endangered penguin species beat out some stiff competition in an election that saw more tattoos and meme wars than controversies. Last year’s race was hijacked by British-American comedian John Oliver who campaigned humorously for the pūteketeke, a bird known for eating and then vomiting his own feathers, causing it to win.