Little penguin found unwell at Port Beach has died under care at WA Wildlife

A little penguin found extremely weak and thin at Fremantle’s Port Beach has died, despite the efforts of wildlife veterinarians.

Rescued by Western Australian Seabird Rescue, the adult penguin received intravenous fluids and close monitoring at the WA Wildlife hospital in Bibra Lake but died on Monday, May 19 likely due to exhaustion.

The penguin had previously been microchipped and its information has been shared with researchers to support long-term population tracking and conservation planning for the beleaguered colony..

WA Wildlife hospital and veterinary program manager Meg Rodgers said while the centre has successfully rehabilitated penguins in similar condition in the past, the prognosis for birds this severely compromised is generally poor.

“WA Wildlife Hospital regularly admits little penguins, often due to emaciation, injuries or issues related to catastrophic moult,” Dr Rodgers said.

She said the hospital has had six admissions of the residents of Penguin Island so far this year.

Dr Rodgers said the penguins often required intensive treatment and rehabilitation. She expected the trend in admissions would continue without broader conservation measures.

A recent report revealed the local little penguin population had declined 94 per cent since 2007, with the latest census by University of Western Australia scientist Dr Belinda Cannell finding just 114 penguins remain on their island home.

The sharp decline in population has been linked to multiple threats including increased boat and tourism traffic, marine heatwaves, reduced fish availability and industrialisation in the areas surrounding the island contributing to environmental pressures affecting the colony.

“We are very concerned for the future of the colony,” Dr Rodgers said.

“Without meaningful intervention, there is a real risk that little penguins could become locally extinct on Penguin Island in the near future.”