Keep an eye out for moulting penquins

WIRES Mid-South Coast branch has received several calls to rescue little penguins in the last couple of weeks from Tomakin and Surf Beach in the south to Lake Conjola in the north. One call was for the rescue of a little penguin at Bawley Point. The caller explained the penguin had come in on a wave but could not get up and walk and it looked exhausted. Zora Brown, from the WIRES Mid-South Coast branch, picked up the penguin and took it to Australian Sea Bird Rescue South Coast. Its flippers were moulting and it was later transferred to Nowra to be with another penguin while it puts on enough weight to be safely released.

Above: Photo: Zora Brown

Little penguins are sometimes called fairy penguins and are the smallest species of penguin. They average only about 33cm in height.

During their moulting season from February to April, little penguins along the south coast of Australia lose their old feathers. It takes a couple of weeks before the new feathers have grown.

During that time the penguins have to stay on land until their feathers give them waterproof protection. As they are not able to go into the sea to get food, they can lose up to half their body weight. They are also vulnerable to predators and human interference.

It is important that during the penguin moulting season dogs are kept on their leashes when visiting coastal areas and people keep their distance from the penguins.

The penguins will look a bit tattered and tired while they are moulting but if anyone is concerned about the safety or health of a penguin they should contact a wildlife rescue organisation such as WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Australian Sea Bird Rescue South Coast on 0431 282 238 for advice. They should not approach or handle the penguin. If possible, they should stay and observe it until help arrives.