Penguins count on KI

Of the many fascinating Kangaroo Island animals, little penguins are amongst the most popular. Whether it’s because of their smart waistcoats or the way they waddle, locals and visitors alike are keen to catch a glimpse of these elusive animals. There is an opportunity to learn more about little penguins and help scientists with their research into little penguin behaviour by volunteering for the annual Kingscote Community Penguin Census.

Natural Resources Kangaroo Island has undertaken an annual census of the Kingscote penguin colony since 2006 with the invaluable assistance of hundreds of community volunteers. This year’s Kingscote Community Penguin Census will be held on Sunday 21 September from 10:00am – 2:00pm, with a sumptuous lunch provided after the census.

Volunteers will hear a short presentation on current penguin research and the results from previous KI penguin counts, before searching for active penguin burrows along the shoreline from Reeves Point to Brownlow. Children are welcome to join the census but must be supervised by an adult.

If you are able to clamber, stretch, bend and peer in burrows, register your interest in the Kingscote Community Penguin Census by contacting the natural resources centre.

The Kingscote penguin census has been made possible thanks to funding from Natural Resources Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges.