Do you hear that? It is the sound of the waves. It is the sound of the Little Penguin Colony awakening.
Welcome. I am excited to share the story of this incredible place with you today. We are standing at St Kilda Pier. Here, just a few kilometers from Melbourne’s bustling city center, is a unique natural wonder. It is the St Kilda Little Penguin Colony.
The St Kilda Pier and Breakwater offer stunning views. They provide panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline. They give you a glimpse into the lives of the Little Penguins. The breakwater was built for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. It provided a safe harbor for sailing events. Today, it serves a different purpose. It is a sanctuary for these adorable creatures.
The colony of Little Penguins at St Kilda is special. It is one of the closest penguin colonies to a major city. These penguins, also known as fairy penguins, are the smallest penguin species. They stand only about 30 centimeters tall.
The breakwater offers an ideal habitat. It is isolated from many disturbances. It is a safe place for the penguins to nest and raise their young. The colony has been studied since 1986. It has grown to about 1400 breeding adults as of 2020.
These Little Penguins are sensitive to light. If you take photos, please turn off your flash. The bright light can scare them. It can disrupt their nesting behavior. If you use a phone torch, put red cellophane over it. Red light is less disruptive.
The penguins are shy. It is important to stay quiet and keep your distance. Keep at least three meters away. Do not touch or feed them.
Parks Victoria works with Earthcare St Kilda. They protect and manage the Little Penguins. Volunteers help monitor the colony. They educate visitors about penguin conservation. You can find out more on the Park Connect website.
The Little Penguin and Rakali are protected. They are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to interfere with the animals or their habitat. Rakali are native water rats. They also live around the pier. Rakali are shy and eat marine life. Do not touch or handle them.
Remember a few important guidelines for visiting. Dogs and cats are not allowed on the breakwater. Do not climb or sit on the rocks.
Enjoy the experience of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Respect their home and help protect them for future generations. The new St Kilda Pier is now open. The penguin viewing area will reopen shortly.
As we leave the Little Penguin Colony, reflect on what you have seen. These Little Penguins face many challenges in their urban environment. We can help them survive by following the guidelines. We can protect their habitat. We can spread awareness about penguin conservation. Thank you for joining me on this tour.