Clues sought in Penguin deaths

ABOUT 30 little penguins have been found dead on a beach on the state’s East Coast.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment said the penguins were discovered on Waubs Beach, near Bicheno, by a member of the public yesterday morning.

The bodies of the penguins have been collected and are being taken to the department’s Mt Pleasant laboratory for pathology tests to determine the cause of death.

Wildlife enforcement rangers from the department’s natural and cultural heritage division are on site investigating the deaths.

Department wildlife enforcement section head Luke Bond said rangers would like to hear from anyone who may have any information about the deaths.

“We believe the deaths have occurred in the last 12 hours or so,” Mr Bond said shortly after 3pm.

“We are appreciative of the public support so far that saw the discovery of the birds promptly reported.

“We are now hoping to hear from anyone else who may have been in the area that can assist us in understanding circumstances around these deaths.”

Nic Wardlaw, from Bicheno Penguin Tours, said their rookery was well and truly fine but it was devastating to hear that penguins had been killed.

“Everyone loves penguins and to hear that almost 30 have been massacred is terrible,” he said.

“It’s the worst time of year for it to happen because penguins are breeding at the moment.

“The young need both parents to get through.”

Mr Wardlaw said the business would work closely with the rangers and help to care for and save the surviving pen- guins at the nearby volunteer wildlife sanctuary.

He said they were still operating tours and had hundreds and hundreds of penguins at their rookery.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact, the department’s wildlife enforcement section on 0417 661 234. Information can be provided anonymously.