The largest colony of Little Pengui

The largest colony of Little Penguins in Australia lives on
Phillip Island, south-east of Melbourne. Situated on this
island is the Phillip Island Nature Park which is dedicated to
the protection of Little Penguins and their habitat.
Little Penguins are the smallest of the 17 species of penguins.
They are only about 33cm tall. This is in contrast to the Emperor
Penguin, their largest Antarctic cousin, which stands up to 130cm
tall. Little Penguins used to be called Fairy Penguins. Now the
name Little Penguin is used because it is a more accurate translation
of their scientific name, .
The Little Penguins’ dark feathers are not black like other penguins but a deep,
rich blue. This colour camouflages them from predators whether they hunt the penguins
from above or below the ocean surface. Like other penguins, Little Penguins have thick
waterproof feathers. These keep their skin absolutely dry and warm, even after days at sea.
While at sea, Little Penguins can sleep by dozing as they float on the surface. Together
these characteristics allow Little Penguins to stay at sea for weeks searching for fish.
In their search for small fish to eat, Little Penguins usually swim
about 15–20 kilometres a day. They are powerful swimmers
and occasionally may travel even greater distances than this.
Scientists recorded that one bird had travelled 100 kilometres in
a single day! Little Penguins usually dive to about 15 metres
chasing fish but one has been recorded at a depth of 65
metres!
Natural hazards for penguins are sharks, birds of prey, rough weather and fish shortages.
However, their biggest threat comes from humans. At sea, penguins die from our plastic
rubbish and oil spills. The Phillip Island Nature Park cares for the victims of oil spills. They
even have volunteers who knit jumpers for the penguins to keep them warm during their
rehabilitation. On land, penguins are killed by cars and by introduced animals such as foxes
and dogs. Foxes are the penguins’ main predator. A fox can kill as many as 30 or 40
penguins in one night. As a result, the rangers at Phillip Island Nature Park are kept busy
protecting the penguins from these predators.
Eudyptula minor
Over half a million visitors each year visit
Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins in
their natural habitat.
Amazing Penguins
Adapted photos and text from Phillip Island N