St Kilda's beloved little penguin colony is back in the spotlight, with free public tours returning after a five-year hiatus. Gordon Watson, a dedicated volunteer guide, reflects on the colony's history, dating back to his teenage years when he'd sail with the St Kilda yacht club, spotting penguins on the rocky breakwater. Watson and his late wife later joined Earthcare St Kilda, volunteering to care for the colony and manage visitor numbers. However, the colony faced challenges as its popularity soared, with crowds reaching over 3,000 people on the breakwater at one point. This led to a five-year break in guided tours, as the colony needed a breather and a more controlled environment.
The little penguins, Eudyptula minor, are tiny divers, standing only about 30cm tall and weighing between 1 and 1.2kg. They nest among the rocks, often lined with saltbush, and greet visitors with a chirp or bray. The colony's history in St Kilda dates back to the 1950s when the breakwater was built for the Melbourne Olympic Games yacht races. It wasn't until the 1970s that the penguins were officially recognized as permanent residents, offering an alternative to the long journey to Phillip Island. The population has grown significantly since the first official count in 1986, with over 1,400 penguins now calling St Kilda home.
Volunteer guide Flossy Sperring shares her experience, noting the changing dynamics over the past decade. Initially, volunteers focused on protecting the penguins from selfie sticks and ensuring visitors shared their love for the birds. However, as crowds grew, the colony faced increased stress. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a much-needed respite for the penguins. Sperring highlights the colony's resilience, despite urban threats like climate change, light pollution, fishing, and plastic pollution.
Earthcare St Kilda's priority is to maintain a safe distance between visitors and the penguins, minimizing habitat disruption. Sperring emphasizes the importance of balancing protection and accessibility, ensuring the public can still connect with these rare city-dwelling penguins. The colony's future looks bright, with Watson's lifelong dedication and the new tour system in place to cherish and protect these beloved birds.
