Woolly Jumper Pattern for Little Penguins
The problem of accidents at sea causing environmental problems is a continuing one.
Penguins covered in oil are brought into wildlife sanctuary rehabilitation centers to have the
thick tar-like coating washed from them
They are dressed in little wool jumpers straight away to keep them warm
until they are
judged to be recovering and strong enough to be washed in a penguin friendly detergent
to get the
oil out of their feathers.
The jumper is then discarded as the penguin needs to be able to get at its cleaned
feathers with its beak to transfer the natural oil from the gland
on top of its
"parson's nose" to the feathers.
Thus begins a daily routine of feeding and swimming the penguins twice a day
to encourage
them to carry out this preening,
until they are fully recovered and can be released back into the wild.
This little penguin was rescued off the southern coastline of Australia,where luckily there are Penguin Sanctuaries dedicated to the rescue and preservation of these little birds
Pictures by courtesy of Lyn Blom of Penguin Parade,Phillip Island,Victoria,Australia
Knitted jumpers are always needed Get The Pattern
More information at the official websites
Phillip Island Nature Reserve
and
The Penguin Parade
Below, wildlife rehabilitation officers release recovered penguins back to the wild