Penguin Foundation

The Penguin Foundation, based on Phillip Island (Millowl) in southern Australia, is a wildlife conservation charity dedicated to protecting native species and their habitats through research, education, and hands-on rescue efforts. While best known for its work with Little Penguins, the Foundation also plays a vital role in safeguarding the region’s Australian fur seal population.

Originally launched to support penguin conservation, the Foundation gained global attention with its heartwarming “Knits for Nature” campaign – an initiative that invited knitters worldwide to create tiny wool jumpers for oiled penguins, helping prevent them from ingesting toxic oil while preening. Today, these jumpers are also sold on plush toys to raise funds for wildlife care and research.

Beyond penguins, the Foundation is deeply involved in protecting Seal Rocks, a critical breeding site for Australian fur seals, home to an estimated 20,000-30,000 individuals. They are monitoring their numbers and conducting regular disentanglement missions, but also contributing research on noise pollution, climate change, and marine debris impacts on seal health and behavior.

The Foundation works closely with Phillip Island Nature Parks, and its seal conservation efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect the island’s rich biodiversity.