Yesterday I met with the wonderful penguin protectors along with reps from NPWS and the Manly Environment Centre to talk about the book I’ve been commissioned to write on Manly’s fairy penguin colony. I am so impressed by the knowledge and care for the penguins shown by everyone associated with this project. And I am in awe of the dedication, the love and caring shown by the penguin protectors who are out every night in the breeding season to protect these cute little characters from all the hazards of life in the 21st century: everything from plastic bags and fishing hooks to unleashed dogs and power boat drivers. It is an honour and a pleasure to be involved in this project, which aims to inform, educate and entertain readers while giving them a blueprint on how to protect penguin colonies (and wildlife in general) in their own areas. At this stage I’m sucking up information and thinking about format; I’m really looking forward to writing this book.
