Sweaters for penguins

A program run through Phillip Island Nature Parks in Australia provided sweaters for penguins in oil spills. The sweaters keep the birds from consuming the oil on their bodies before workers can clean them.

Penguin jumpers

According to Phillip Island Nature Parks, 438 little penguins were affected by the last major oil spill near Phillip Island in 2001. Ninety-six percent were successfully saved and rehabilitated at the Wildlife Clinic and released back into the wild.

The group says no more tiny sweaters are needed.

Penguin jumpers

A penguin wears a small "jumper" knit by a volunteer.

Penguin jumpers

A penguin wears a small "jumper" knit by a volunteer.

Penguin jumpers

A penguin wears a small "jumper" knit by a volunteer.

Penguin jumpers

A rehabilitated penguin swims.

Penguin jumpers

A patch of oil the size of a thumbnail can kill a little penguin. Oiled penguins often die from exposure and starvation. Oil separates and mats feathers, allowing water to get in, which makes a penguin very cold, heavy and less able to successfully hunt for food.

Penguin jumpers

A patch of oil the size of a thumbnail can kill a little penguin. Oiled penguins often die from exposure and starvation. Oil separates and mats feathers, allowing water to get in, which makes a penguin very cold, heavy and less able to successfully hunt for food.

Penguin jumpers

The group says they have more than enough sweaters. One was even knit by Australia's oldest man.

Penguin jumpers

Three rehabilitated penguins stand in the sand at Phillip Island Nature Parks.