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SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has unveiled newly refurbished nesting boxes for the Little Penguin colony who call the attraction home.

The aquarium commissioned local Manly artist, Rachel Carroll, to create bespoke designs for the Little Penguin nesting boxes to help raise awareness of the dangers of plastic on the beautiful flightless birds.

The Little Penguins have already taken to their nest boxes, waddling among the colourful artwork, with some even scoping out the new homes for potential hubs to nest on their eggs.

Around 200 marine species alone are impacted by ingestion or entanglement of marine debris, most notably, plastic. As a result, each Little Penguin nesting box has been designed to tell a different story through vibrant, conceptual artworks to help showcase the environmental issues penguins face. The illustrations explore a range of issues including how plastics can enter the penguin's diet, how penguins struggle to navigate to their own homes due to plastic cluttering the beach and the risk of penguins being entangled in plastic string.

Rachel Carroll feels so passionate about the importance of protecting our marine life that she has decided to intertwine her two passions into one.

She explains: "the artworks focus strongly on the damage that plastic is causing our oceans and marine life. Together with SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, our aim is to make people more aware of their own habits. We want people to question how much they recycle and the consequences of not doing so.

"I am passionate about the environment and the effect plastic has on Little Penguin populations so this project fits perfectly with my motivation to increase awareness on the topic.

"For me, art is a tool of communication and if I can present my message visually I think the impact will last longer and appeal to all ages."

Carroll has previously exhibited works commenting on the Murray Darling River Basin and the plight for more water, raising money for various environmental charity initiatives.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium aquarist Martin Garwood adds "we are delighted to be teaming up with a local artist who can bring to life the importance of conserving our marine environment for this vulnerable Australian species.

"Creating art through the penguin homes is a great way to raise awareness of the aquarium's breed, resuce and protect initiatives and also encourages the public to recycle."

The bright new enclosure also includes a new waterfall which will contribute to the enrichment of the colony. Guests can even hear what the penguins think of their new hot property by hearing the noises inside their exhibit with the turn of a wheel and enjoy other new interactions in the penguin zone.

In addition to the refurbishment of the Little Penguins exhibit, a brand new open coral tank has also been opened in which aquarists present twice daily interactive coral shows to raise awareness of the importance of coral in sustaining one of the world's most pristine natural habitats, the Great Barrier Reef.

For more information go to www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

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