20/12/2011
Rachel Russell Photography
Little blue penguin
They were taken to Eco World, where Mr Kirkwood and Eco World manager Regan Russell nursed them to full health.
"The main problem is the parents had abandoned them and they were too young to go and find food for themselves. If they go out before they have got their waterproof feathers, they risk drowning or getting attacked by predators," Mr Kirkwood said.
The penguins were between four and six weeks old when they arrived at Eco World.
"At eight weeks, they get their waterproof feathers and we put them in the [large] fish tank for swimming lessons. When they get used to the water and are swimming and diving confidently, then we release them," he said.
Eco World released another two little blue penguins three weeks ago. They were also abandoned by their parents and found in a stormwater drain near the Interislander ferry terminal, Mr Kirkwood said.
Parent penguins often abandoned their young if there was not enough food. "It depends on the seasons and what food is out there.
"This year seemed to be quite a good year for having a good food supply," he said.
However, it seemed the penguin parents in Picton were probably inexperienced.
"They seem to have abandoned the smallest penguins, which are usually the girls, and instead invest their energies into the strongest chick. This season we have had eight little blue penguins through the centre and they have all been girls," he said.
None of the penguins was injured, although it was likely during the busy season some injured penguins would be brought in.
"We're expecting more penguins through Christmas. We sometimes get injured ones who get bitten by dogs or hit by boats or run over.
"People should know they are out there and they are vulnerable to human activities.
"Watch your dogs and if you are out in a boat, know they are there and can get injured easily," Mr Kirkwood said.
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