The penguins in Australia are the smallest in the world (only 33 cm tall). Their largest Antarctic cousin is the Emperor penguin, 70cm tall.
Penguins are found only in the southern hemisphere so you will never see a penguin and a Polar Bear together in the wild!
The name "Little Penguins" is now used instead of "Fairy Penguins" as it is a more accurate translation of their scientific name "Eudyptula minor"
Penguins eyes are specialised for seeing underwater and on land in low light. For this reason they are highly sensitive to sudden bright light such as camera flashes
A penguin can stay at sea for weeks, diving for fish, yet its waterproof feathers keep its skin absolutely dry. A penguin can actually sleep at sea, dozing as it floats on the surface.
Penguins may swim 15 to 50 kilometers a day searching for small fish to eat. One penguin was recorded traveling 100 kilometers in one day!
The little penguins' dark feathers are not black like other penguins. They are a deep, rich blue. Their colour camouflages them from above and below the surface of the ocean.
Sadly a penguins' greatest danger is humans. They die from our plastic rubbish, oil spills, cars and introduced animals such as foxes, cats and dogs.
Natural hazards for penguins are sharks, birds of prey, rough weather and fish shortages.
The Penguin Parade research team are world leaders in the study of Little Penguins.
Phillip Island Nature Park is a self funding organisation dedicated to protecting Little Penguins. The Penguin Parade is the number one wildlife tourist destination in Australia, with over a million Australian and international visitors per year.
