RE: [Paddlewise] Knitted Woollen Overcoats for Fairy Penguins

From: Whyte, David <david.whyte_at_amsa.gov.au>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 16:49:30 +1000
Hi Peter

My understanding is the oil(or it may be the cleaning process that
removes the oil) breaks down the insulation properties of the penguins
coat. The woollen jumpers (or sweaters for our American friends) keep
the penguin warm until the insulation is re-established. 

David


-----Original Message-----
From: PeterO [mailto:rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au]
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2001 3:32 PM
To: Paddlewise (E-mail)
Subject: [Paddlewise] Knitted Woollen Overcoats for Fairy Penguins


G'Day,

My mother in law asked me the other day to take her shopping for needles
to
knit woollen overcoats for Fairy Penguins. These penguins are a tiny sea
bird which is much appreciated by sea kayakers in Sydney - they are
found
kilometers off shore and usually alone, swimming and diving for food.
The
group I paddle with greet them with crys of delight and much pointing
and
arm waving to show their location. At first I thought the woollen
jumpers
were evidence of an unsuspected eccentricity in my mother in law, but
apparently they are part of a very serious effort by local
conservationists
to overcome problems
of contamination following oil spillage - I'm not sure of the rationale
but
think its something to do with keeping the penguins warm after they have
been cleaned. Are there any similar techniques used in other countries?
Can
any one explain the modus operandi?

All the best, PeterO

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Received on Sun Oct 21 2001 - 23:50:15 PDT

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