We arrived safely in Melbourne yesterday. It is much cooler here, but nothing like our winter in the states. We went to the Queen Victoria markets for some quick souvenir shopping.
We left for Phillips Island @2:00. This excursion was to see the Little Penguins native to Australia. Every night at dusk The Little Penguins make their way out of the ocean to their homes to feed their chicks. This is the smallest penguin in the world. There used to be 10 colonies on the island and now there is only one. We learned that these Little Penguins live about 7 years. They do not mate for life. They can stay under water for 2 minutes but can dive very deep. The record dive is 236 feet. They swim about 32 miles a day and may dive 200 to 1,300 times a day.
We were able to view the penguins emerging from the ocean. They emerge at dusk when it's safe for them and there are no predators flying about. Fox are also a threat to the penguins. The rangers are working on reducing the fox population on the island. Another threat to these cute Little Penguins is man: oil spills and litter.
This was a great night and a chance of a life time to see the Little Penguin in its natural habitat. Check the Melbourne page for pictures later! Bye for now, Ann, Melissa & Hollie
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