Breeding this year seems to be very good for the St Kilda Little Penguins. On a recent fortnightly research trip, 71 chicks were caught or sighted. There have been only two reports of chicks in trouble: one was deadthe other – found on Altona Beach – was too young to fend for itself. Sent to a wildlife carer. Kidnapping penguins still happens. A quote from information given to penguin guides: ‘For those of you who have been involved with the penguins for a few years, you will know that from time to time people have tried to kidnap penguins from penguin colonies. Of course it doesn’t take long for them to realise that penguins do not make good pets. As a result, often the kidnappers will simply release the penguin onto city streets. Last summer a penguin from the Phillip Island colony was spotted walking the streets of Coburg! Unfortunately our colony is also subject to this cruel behaviour from time to time. Recently, someone removed a penguin from the breakwater which they later released into the streets around St Kilda. Zoe [Hogg] got a call from the police at 1.30 am to inform her that there was a penguin walking along St Kilda St. Thankfully the penguin was caught and taken back to the breakwater unharmed.’ ===============================
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