A rare white penguin was found in poor condition on a South Australian beach. Here’s what we know.
Yesterday, an adorable creature now known as Pearl the penguin washed up in a debilitated state on Boomer Beach along South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. While the occasional Little Penguin, like Pearl, is known to be washed up in this area in a sorry state, what makes Pearl so special is her extremely rare white colour, or leucistic condition.
“It’s a genetic mutation; it’s just random chance," explained Justin Biddle, Wildlife Centre Manager at Wildlife Welfare Organisation (SA) Inc (WWO).
Although it’s very rare to spot a leucistic penguin, Biddle is fairly sure it’s not the first for the state.
“I have heard there’s been another [leucistic penguin] in South Australia, in 2011. It was rehabilitated by another rescue group, but they have since disbanded."
Pearl was taken in and cleaned up by WWO. (Image: Justin Biddle)
What was wrong with Pearl the penguin?
While Biddle says it was clear Pearl was in a bad way, it’s unclear exactly what led to it.
“She’s just had a bit of a rough go," he said. “She was struggling to fish and find food and was quite debilitated. She might have had a minor injury at some point that has prohibited her from hunting so well. We have wormed her… so she might have quite a high parasite load as well."
“Usually, it’s a crossover of different factors that causes it. Unless you know the history and what’s happened beforehand, it’s hard to say for sure".
“We’re not really thinking it’s the algal bloom because we’re not having other larger creatures rock up, it’s mainly just dead fish," he explained.
“[Being leucistic] is obviously quite a rare condition and [penguins] born this way might have a lesser chance of survival. But it’s hard to tell if she’s having a rough go of life due to her colour or… whether it’s just random chance."
Her rare colour might have contributed to her condition. (Image: Justin Biddle)
What will happen to Pearl the penguin?
Thankfully, Pearl is currently putting on weight and looks like she will make a full recovery. But Biddle warns that she is not out of the woods just yet. He says that while WOO’s first approach is always to release rehabilitated marine life back to the ocean, it might be decided it’s not the best thing for her.
“In South Australia, we’re governed by permits and regulations from the Department of Environment and Water, which covers the National Parks and Wildlife Services. So it would be a discussion with them – and maybe a few other researchers and experts – to see what happens. She might be released, or she might need to stay in captivity."
“If it’s decided that captivity is the best for her, the experts will make a recommendation on where she goes," he shared. “But it’ll need to be somewhere that already has a colony of Little Penguins in care".
Here’s hoping little Pearl bounces back sooner rather than later.
Pearl is expected to make a full recovery. (Image: Justin Biddle)
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
