Phillip Island penguins searching for ‘The One’ like The Bachelor
THE “divorce rate” is similar to humans, and while the men keep the house, they’ve got to work pretty hard to woo a mate. Phillip Island’s famous penguins have more moves than The Bachelor. Here’s how they find “The One” — no roses required.
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IF YOU think The Bachelor’s ‘Honey Badger’ has it tough trying to choose one woman from a bevy of 25, spare a thought for Phillip Island’s little penguins.
They have to find ‘The One’ among a 32,000 strong colony.
And it’s not all single dates and rose ceremonies either for these bachelors.
They have to work hard to woo their mate.
SUMMER PATROLS SET TO PROTECT ST KILDA’S PENGUIN COLONY
PENGUINS RELEASED AT SHELLY BEACH
PENGUINS ATTEMPT THE ULTIMATE SELFIE
Phillip Island Nature Parks rangers gave us the low down on love island.
SEARCHING FOR ‘THE ONE’
Penguins will attempt to pair with a single partner, but will move on if it doesn’t work out. The divorce rate among Phillip Island penguin pairs is 50 per cent, with reasons for uncouplings ranging from failing to produce offspring to the female getting a better offer.
If the couple does split the male keeps the house.
THE COCKTAIL PARTY
Males will defend their mate against other males, usually by becoming extremely vocal and making themselves look really big.
They may have multiple sexual partners, but only one social partner, so the males try to ensure their ‘partners’ only have eyes for them.
PREPPING FOR THE SINGLE DATE
Generally, the male returns from sea first and makes an effort to prepare the burrow by scratching out excess dirt and making sure they can ‘bring their date home’.
LANGUAGE OF LOVE
The females follow in from sea soon after and they will reunite and re-establish their pair bonds.
It is thought they recognise each other through their vocalisation, seven basic calls types within a penguins’ vocabulary.
IT’S RENO TIME
Once reunited, both penguins then get hands-on collecting nesting materials and bringing them to the burrow to make a cosy spot for their eggs.
THE SECRET TO LASTING LOVE?
Penguins hang out in small groups out at sea, where they spend the majority of their time, and generally don’t have contact with their partners except when on land.
They even honeymoon apart, with each heading out to sea after mating for about 10 days of solo hunting.
VISITING HOURS
Penguin parade ranger in charge Dave Costello said spring was one of the best times to visit Phillip Island Nature Parks to witness the dating dance.
“It’s my favourite time. There’s so much to see,” Mr Costello said.
“It’s also easier for families with younger kids as daylight savings doesn’t start until the end of the school holidays, which means the parade starts a lot earlier — about 6.30pm.
“The viewing time lasts for 50 minutes, which means families can experience the penguins without having young kids up till 9.30pm like they would in the summer.”
GETTING THERE
Phillip Island is about 90 minutes from Melbourne with the Penguin Parade at 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands Tickets: Adults from $26.20, children (4-13) from $13, family (two adults,
two children) $65.40.
VISITING TIPS
Do: Arrive at least one hour before the parade begins and allow extra travel time during the school holidays.
Don’t: Try and get a penguin selfie. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. You can download free photos from the online gallery at penguins.org.au/photo-gallery/ or from the app at penguins.org.au/visit-us/penguin-parade-app/
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