Little blue penguins Biggie and Guiness move to Coffs as part of ‘critical’ national breeding program

An adorable pair of the world’s smallest penguin species have arrived in Coffs from the Sunshine Coast to help ensure the survival of their species. Take a look.

The little blue penguin population is at risk and Biggie, lover of the lady penguins, has arrived in Coffs Harbour to help do his part.

This week Biggie and ladylove Guiness were transferred to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary from Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium in Queensland as part of a national breeding program.

Biggie and Guiness were picked for the transfer because of their valuable genetics.

The pair are part of an “insurance population” of about 2500 birds kept across 40 facilities to support ongoing breeding and conservation efforts.

Marine wildlife officers Gemma Rogers and Renee Barber with Biggie and Guiness, the little blue penguins, after their transfer from Sea Life Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary managing director Tiga Cross said the move was part of a species management program essential for maintaining genetic diversity and health of the “at risk” population of the world’s smallest penguin species.

“The program plays a critical role in helping us, through research, to understand their breeding cycle, their overall health and wellbeing, and ultimately the survival of their species,” she said.

The little blue penguins were crate trained to help assist in their transfer from the sunshine coast all the way down to Coffs Harbour.

Sea Life Sunshine Coast marine animal specialist Renee Barber said “Biggie is a favourite with the ladies” and that Guiness has a “soft spot for him”.

“We hope they find some mates down there,” she said.

The partnership between the marine centres will help support the species “for years to come”.

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