A Little Penguin rescued near Newcastle was treated in Mosman before being released into the ocean at Curl Curl Beach.
Rescue at Belmont
On 19 July 2025, a Little Penguin was found on the Pacific Highway at Belmont near Newcastle, far from the nearest water. Concerned motorists contacted Hunter Wildlife Rescue, and volunteers secured the bird before transferring her to Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Mosman.
Care at Taronga Wildlife Hospital
Veterinary staff discovered the penguin was underweight at just under 800 grams and dehydrated. She was given fluids, a health check, and placed in a marine rehabilitation aviary where her feather waterproofing was restored. After five weeks of care, she had regained strength and reached a healthy weight of 1 kilogram.
Release at Curl Curl
On 25 August 2025, the penguin was released at Curl Curl Beach by veterinary nurse Lauren Sumner. Some reports specify North Curl Curl, while others note Curl Curl generally. During the release, the penguin swam strongly into the surf, adapting quickly to the waves.
Conservation Concerns
Little Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins, are the world’s smallest penguin species, growing to about 30 centimetres and weighing around 1 kilogram. They are the only penguin species to breed on the Australian mainland, with colonies along the southern and eastern coasts. In New South Wales, the only confirmed mainland colony is at Manly, though some reports also reference Pittwater.
Numbers have dropped sharply in recent years, from 19 breeding pairs in 2024 to around 15 pairs in 2025. The species is considered of least concern globally, but in New South Wales they are classified as threatened, with the Manly colony listed as endangered.
Ongoing Challenges
Threats to Little Penguins include habitat loss, pollution, and predation from foxes, as well as domestic dogs and cats. Taronga Wildlife Hospital treats around 125 native species each month. To increase capacity for injured and endangered animals, a new wildlife hospital with specialised pools for seabirds and turtles is under construction at Taronga Zoo Sydney, expected to be completed in 2026.
Published 2-Sep-2025
