VERONICA PEDROSA, CNN ANCHOR: At first glance, it appears to be a joke, penguins dressed in jumpers. But it's really no laughing matter. Volunteers have found a way to protect the tiny birds from the effects of an oil spill. Chandrika Narayan explains.</s>CHANDRIKA NARAYAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These little creatures hardly need extra protection against Australia's mild winter, but a recent oil spill in the area is another matter; it can hurt penguins, or even kill them. The idea of a penguin protective jumper was born in a library in the Tasmanian city of Launceston. These women know how to choose a knitting pattern and how to make their jumpers fit.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We bought $50 worth of wool yesterday and it was gone in 20 minutes. We're just overwhelmed really.</s>MIRANDON: But the Launceston women weren't the only ones eager to help the penguins. When the Tasmanian Conservation Trust appealed for the protective jumpers, the call was answered by enthusiasts in several countries, including Japan and the United States. Hundreds of jumpers covering the penguins from neck to ankle have been knitted. As with any fashion item, they come in various colors and designs, even, a tuxedo jumper, complete with bow tie, although penguins apparently feel overdressed and somewhat uncomfortable, the jumpers serve as an important temporary protection device.</s>JO CARSWELL, TASMANIAN CONSERVATION TRUST: If they run into an oil spill, they need to be cleaned. But before they are ready to be cleaned, they need to have jumpers put on them, because they are great preeners, and they preen themselves, they try to preen themselves, and they ingest the oil.</s>MIRANDON: The trust says support of the knitters from around the world really made the difference in the effort to save Australia's fairy penguins. Chandrika Narayan for INSIDE ASIA.
Volunteers Find Way to Protect Penguins from Effects of Oil Spill