Conservationists on Phillip Island are undertaking what is believed to be the largest program of its kind, vaccinating 1,000 little penguins against bird flu in the wild.

Australia is implementing urgent measures to shield its population of little penguins from the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus, as concerns grow over the potential impact on wildlife.

A bird flu outbreak at the St Kilda colony in Australia could lead to the loss of up to 40% of its 1,400 little penguins, according to volunteers.

A second seal in South Australia has contracted the H5N1 avian flu virus, prompting authorities on Phillip Island to accelerate vaccination efforts for its iconic little penguin population.

A mass vaccination program has commenced for the little penguins on Phillip Island and St Kilda in Australia, following the detection of the H5N1 bird flu virus in the country.

A heartwarming moment was captured at a botanical-zoological garden in Ohio, United States, where a group of little penguins was utterly fascinated by a dry leaf dancing in the wind. The penguins watched the leaf intently, unable to tear their eyes away.

The Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust is appealing a decision by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) to not vaccinate little penguins against bird flu, warning of potential localized extinctions.

Conservationists have reported that Little Penguins were mauled by dogs at Piha, describing the incident as 'a little short of a disaster' and attributing blame to irresponsible dog owners.