Posted on 05/03/2013 by Phillip Island Nature Parks
This Sunday one little penguin will boldly go where no self-respecting penguin has ever gone before.
One of the Penguin Parade’s largest little penguins is set to take the leap at the Moomba Birdman Rally on March 10, and it promises to be thrills and spills as the flightless bird negotiates the four metre drop into the Yarra River.
Ashton Marsh, an education ranger at Phillip Island Nature Parks, has bravely put her life on the line and volunteered to don a penguin lycra suit and pilot the PengWing – a three metre long craft shaped like a penguin and constructed from recycled ponchos, netting and bottles.
“I’m doing this for every penguin out there that ever dreamed of flying,” said Ms Marsh.
Ms Marsh and her flight crew from Phillip Island Nature Parks have been busy drawing up a flight plan in preparation for the day.
“I’ll be flapping like mad on take-off and if it all goes wrong there might be a flip before the belly flop into the Yarra. Either way, this little bird and gravity are in for a showdown.”
To catch this magnificent bird and her flying machine, head to the Moomba Birdman Rally on Sunday, March 10 at Birrarung Marr from 12-2, or follow the team on Facebook as they prepare for take-off: phillip island nature parks.
Flappin' mad penguin attempts to fly media release
Media Enquiries:
Ms Danene Jones - Communications Executive
Tel: +613 5951 2825 Mobile: 0418 402 161 Email: djones@penguins.org.au
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions - perfect for a family holiday or getting back to nature.
Experience wild koalas in their natural habitat and stroll through Aussie bushland at our environmentally sustainable Centre dedicated to koala conservation.
Step back in time... meet the farm animals, relax in the cafe, enjoy the water views, stroll amongst heritage buildings and lovely gardens.
Located only 5 minutes from the Penguin Parade and overlooking the wild water of Bass Strait, the FREE Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the unique marine life in our Southern Oceans.