Penguin Island (ATOM Study Guide)

The world-famous Little Penguins of Australia's Phillip Island entertain half a million tourists a year with a sunset parade from the surf to their burrows. But behind the scenes, the penguins' lives are even more interesting.

Penguin Island opens in the Australian spring as 26,000 Little Penguins return to their Phillip Island colony after many weeks at sea. While some search for loyal partners and others seek out a new mate, the Little Penguins set to work building and renovating their nests to keep them safe from predators. Soon the colony is full of chicks, and penguin parents take turns to babysit while their partner goes to sea to feed. With only eight short weeks before the chicks must learn to survive for themselves, it is a fraught and time-consuming business. When the fish disappear from the waters around Phillip Island, life in the colony gets tough and the battle for survival begins. To make matters worse, Phillip Island is experiencing the hottest summer on record and the rangers and carers must rescue penguins all across the colony.

Over six half-hour episodes, Penguin Island follows the penguins as a dedicated team of rangers and scientists monitor and protect them through the breeding season and a record-breaking heatwave.

Filmed over a year by series producer Sally Ingleton, director Simon Target and wildlife cinematographer David Parer, Penguin Island offers an insight into the lives of the stars of Phillip Island's internationally renowned Penguin Parade.

Curriculum Links:

This study guide to accompany Penguin Island has been written for upper primary students and for secondary students of all year levels. At the secondary level, the study guide provides information and suggestions for learning activities in Biology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Media and Science. At a primary level the study guide provides information and suggestions for learning activities across the curriculum areas of English, SOSE/HSIE and Science.