A little penguin discovered dead on Warriewood Beach in late January most likely died from a dog attack, according to a necropsy conducted by Taronga Wildlife Hospital.
The bird was found on 30 January by a member of the public and taken to Taronga’s Australian Registry of Wildlife Health for examination. The necropsy revealed a fatal puncture wound to the neck, consistent with injuries from a dog attack.
According to Taronga Wildlife Hospital, the penguin was severely emaciated prior to the fatal attack, which likely left it weakened and vulnerable to predation. However, the cause of the bird’s poor condition could not be determined from the examination, and there was no evidence of longstanding injury.
Dogs are prohibited on Warriewood Beach, as they are on all Northern Beaches ocean beaches and rock pools, with the exception of a designated section at Mona Vale Beach, which is currently part of a 12-month trial allowing dogs off-leash during restricted hours. The Mona Vale trial, which began on 14 October 2025, permits dogs off-leash at the southern end of the beach between 5.30am and 10am, and 5pm and 9pm during daylight saving time Manly ObserverNorthern Beaches Council.
A concerned local reported seeing multiple people with their dogs on Warriewood Beach on the same day the deceased penguin was found, though there is no evidence linking these specific dogs to the incident.
The death represents another blow to Sydney’s struggling little penguin population. The Manly colony, which is the only mainland breeding colony in New South Wales, saw just 19 breeding pairs during the 2023-24 breeding season NSW Government, a historic low. This represents a dramatic decline from 70 breeding pairs recorded in 2013-2014.
The Manly colony has been listed as an endangered population since 2002, with critical habitat designated as an Area of Outstanding Biodiversity Value to provide greater protection for the birds.
Libby Hall, wildlife rehabilitation coordinator from Taronga Wildlife Hospital, explained that little penguins spend most of their lives in the ocean and travel large distances along the coast, occasionally coming ashore to rest. The hospital treats approximately 20 little penguins each year.
The Australian Registry of Wildlife Health processed 11 dead little penguins last year. Four deaths were attributed to suspected dog bites, three to boat or propeller injuries, and three involved young and emaciated birds.
Little penguins are particularly vulnerable during their annual moulting period, which typically occurs in March for the Sydney colony. During this three-week period, the birds remain stationary on rocky outcrops without eating, potentially losing up to half their body weight.
Hall noted that moulting penguins become easy targets for predators due to the smell of accumulated feathers and droppings around them. The birds attacked by dogs and foxes usually do not survive, though adult penguins can sometimes withstand a cat attack.
Northern Beaches Council has approximately 60,000 registered dogs. A council spokesperson said rangers and parks staff regularly patrol beaches and public spaces to ensure responsible use by dog owners, though the council was only made aware of the Warriewood incident through social media as it had not been formally reported.
In October 2025, council appointed a companion animal education officer to enhance education efforts and promote responsible pet ownership, recognising that enforcement alone is insufficient to change community behaviour.
How residents can help protect little penguins:
Taronga Zoo recommends that beach users:
- Remove all rubbish from beaches, as it can harm penguins and other seabirds
- Keep dogs on a lead at beaches and national reserves
- Keep cats indoors at night
- Report fox sightings to the National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Avoid anchoring boats inside anchorage zones to protect seagrass feeding areas
- Stay out of vessel exclusion zones when boating
- Avoid national reserves outside operating hours to prevent disturbing penguins accessing their burrows
What to do if you find an injured or dead penguin:
Contact Parks on 1300 072 757 or the National Parks and Wildlife Service Duty Officer on (02) 9457 9577, available 24 hours.
Injured or dead little penguins can be taken to Taronga Wildlife Hospital at the end of Whiting Beach Road, Mosman, between 8am and 3pm daily. Call (02) 9969 2777 for more information.
Published 2-March-2026
