Phillip Island penguins set a new record
The little penguins at Phillip Island have set their second record in five months.
On Saturday night, 5440 birds waddled up the beach, the highest number recorded since 1968.
The previous record of 5219 was set in May.
The colony at Phillip Island is the largest in the world and Paula Wasiak from Phillip Island Nature Parks says it’s “pumping” at the moment.
Press PLAY below to hear what likely explains the record penguin crowd
“There are a number of factors at play, so absolutely our research-led conservation efforts that have meant we’ve reduced many of the terrestrial threats that our penguins have, so the population is thriving, we’ve had a really good breeding season,” she told Ross and Russel.
“Through our research monitoring we know the chick weights are really good so that indicates food is nice and close. So we have more penguins and conditions are wonderful so lots are coming back.”