Subspecies are also found in New Zealand. Very little is know about their populations, however Tasmanian estimates range from 110,000-190,000 breeding pairs. The largest populations are found on Tasmania's offshore islands.
Oil spills are disastrous for penguins and other sea birds.
Little Penguins' thermoregulation occurs in the air that is trapped in the down beneath the external feathers. Their natural oils keep the external feathers conditioned so they can be aligned to create a water-proofing effect. Jumpers are put onto oiled penguins prior to washing to prevent them from ingesting oil. Most penguins are washed within 24 hours of arrival at the Wildlife Hospital so the jumpers are only used for a brief time. However, if a penguin is sick or underweight they are not washed until they have recovered from their ailment or reached their prescribed minimum weight.