A little penguin found dead on Warriewood Beach earlier this year most likely died from a dog attack, according to a necropsy report from Taronga Wildlife Hospital.
The bird was discovered on 30 January by a member of the public and taken to Taronga’s Australian Registry of Wildlife Health for examination. Findings revealed a fatal puncture wound to the neck, consistent with a dog attack though investigators noted the penguin had also been in a severely weakened state before the fatal blow.
“The bird was in a severely emaciated state, which likely caused it to be debilitated and prone to predation. The cause of emaciation was not apparent on examination, and there was no evidence of long-standing injury,” Taronga told Manly Observer.
Although the penguin was in a sickly state prior to its death, it should not have come in contact with a dog because they are restricted in that location. Dogs are currently prohibited on all of the LGAs ocean beaches or rockpools with the exception of one section of Mona Vale beach which which is currently subject to a 12-month trial.
A concerned local reported multiple people on Warriewood Beach with their dogs on the same day as the discovery of the deceased penguin.
Over the past few decades, the little penguin population on the Northern Beaches has dwindled significantly. In fact, for the second year in a row, their numbers have hit a historic low, now sitting at only 15 breeding pairs this year.
Many little penguin colonies are in dire straits around the country; however, what makes the Manly penguins so unique is that they’re the only mainland colony in Australia. As special their choice of nesting location is, it also makes them much more vulnerable to attacks from feral or roaming cats, foxes and dogs.
Taronga Zoo treats about 20 little penguins in their rehabilitation centre a year. They recommend that you:
- Make sure you take your rubbish from the beach. Rubbish can cause a lot of issues not just for penguins, but for all seabirds and animals that live around our aquatic areas.
- Keep your dog on a leash at the beach and at national reserves. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, particularly in penguin mating season.
- Keep your cats inside at night and if you see a fox, report it to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- If you’re on the water, don’t anchor inside the anchorage zones. This can destroy the seagrass that penguins use for feeding.
- Stay out of vessel exclusion zones when boating to avoid collisions with penguins.
- Avoid national reserves outside of operating hours. Human activity can prevent penguins from accessing their burrows, leaving them exposed to threats.
What to do if you spot a sick or injured penguin
If you are concerned about the welfare of a penguin, contact Parks on 1300 072 757 or the National Parks and Wildlife Service Duty Officer on (02) 9457 9577 (available 24 hours, 7 days).
Injured or dead Little Penguins should be taken to Taronga Wildlife Hospital at the end of Whiting Beach Road, Mosman, between 8am and 3pm, all year around. Call (02) 9969 2777. Otherwise, contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Duty Officer.
See our previous coverage on penguins:
Investigation: Grim find brings Manly’s Little Penguins plight to light
Birds on the brink: Manly’s endangered Little Penguin colony in question
