Happy Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day draws near, love isn’t just for humans—it’s alive in the animal kingdom too, especially for the adorable little penguins (Eudyptula minor). For the world’s smallest penguin, courtship is an elaborate and often noisy affair.

During the breeding season, which generally begins around September and runs through to February, males go to great lengths to attract females. Males woo females with distinctive vocal calls trying to impress her with his burrow. During courtship, both birds will stand erect with flippers spread, head bowed and walk in tight circles around the nest site.

Little penguins are known for forming strong, monogamous pairs. These bonds often last for several breeding seasons, although research shows that between 18% and 50% will ‘divorce’ if breeding doesn’t produce chicks.

Love for little penguins doesn’t stop at courtship—it extends to raising their chicks. After mating, both parents take turns incubating eggs and feeding their young.

While penguins have strong pair bonds, their colonies also play a vital role. Their colony helps ensure the safety and survival of their offspring. Phillip Island is one of the most important breeding colonies of these remarkable seabirds; it is home to around 40,000 breeding little penguins.

Fall in love with our local wildlife – on most of our cruises around the island you can spot a penguin on the surface of water. You have to be quick to spot them though, if you blink they’re off again into the deep.