( CNN) Penguins weren't always the petite, tuxedo-sporting birds we are all familiar with and love today. Once, giant penguins the size of humans reigned supreme.
Fossils from five partial skeletons were found on the Chatham Islands near New Zealand's South Island. The fossils were found in the remote areaduring excavations from 2006 to 2011. The group was led by Monash University palaeontologist Jeffrey Stilwell.
The fossilsbelong to the newly discovered species Kupoupou stilwelli, the oldest known penguin that's similar in size to modern penguins. Its name is derived from the indigenous Moriori people of the Chatham Islands. Kupoupou entails “diving bird” in their language, Te Re Moriori. Stilwelli is in honor of Stilwell's discovery.
