Penguin Protection on the St Kilda Breakwater  

Penguins and Light

Penguins see best in the blue end of the light spectrum, which is different from us.  They do not see orange as well, which is why we use the filters.

Bright flashes from cameras temporarily blind and disorient the penguins, which can scare them.  This may put them off coming into the breakwater and send them hiding into their nests

Do Not Touch Penguins

Approaching and touching penguins scares them.  It is illegal and they bite hard in their defence. So don’t do it.

Penguins and litter

 do not mix !

Make sure you always put your rubbish in the bin, no matter how small it is. Rubbish from our roads ends up in the bay and onto the breakwater through the stormwater system .

Penguins will often mistake rubbish as nesting material, and their chicks can get caught in rubbish before they even leave the nest!  

Penguins, pets and people:

No domestic pets are  allowed onto the breakwater as penguins have been attacked by dogs previously.  No matter how well trained your dog is, you cannot take the animal instinct out of it, please tie it up on the pier.

Keep off the rocks

 This is where the penguins come to rest and raise their chicks – you are disturbing them if you go looking for them.

 

The best way you can help the penguins is to pick up any litter you see on the breakwater