Happy Penguin Awareness Day

Watch the penguin team sing to the cheeky penguins for Penguin Awareness Day

Penguin Keepers Lauren Dole and Taylor Sansom have serenaded the adorable penguins at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium in celebration of Penguin Awareness Day!

The Sub-Antarctic King and Gentoo penguins were treated to a private performance by their keepers to mark the important occasion. Lauren and Taylor, who both moonlight as semi-professional singers, chose the iconic Australian anthems “You’re the Voice” by John Farnham and “Horses” by Daryl Braithwaite to pique the interest of the playful penguins. They were joined by Lauren’s performing partner Kieran McNamara on guitar.

Taking place annually on 20 January, Penguin Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of the plight of penguins in the wild and the need for their protection. There are 18 different penguin species around the world and 11 of these are vulnerable or endangered due to human impacts such as climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, invasive species and habitat degradation. People can make a difference by eating sustainable seafood, being responsible with their rubbish and keeping a safe distance from wild penguin habitats.

You can see the King and Gentoo penguins in action and learn more about these fascinating flightless birds.