After a distinguished 20 year tenure, Dr Peter Dann is retiring from the Penguin Foundation Board.

In his role as Research Director with Phillip Island Nature Parks, Peter was instrumental in establishing the penguin reserve as we know it today. His tireless efforts have resulted in the growth of the little penguin population of less than 8000 in 1983, to the largest colony of little penguins in the world – an estimated 40,000 living and breeding on Milawul, Phillip Island.

During his time on the Penguin Foundation Board, Peter has overseen innumerable successful projects focused on penguin, sea bird and seal health, habitat protection and, more recent work with the reintroduction of threatened species.

He has provided invaluable counsel, drawing on his depth of expertise in penguin conservation, his own research and broad professional networks, which will be impossible to replace. In his many years on the Penguin Foundation Board, his deep love of penguins and dedication to our cause has not waned.

In reflecting on the Penguin Foundation's 20 years, Peter recalled that two decades ago, he “made a list of 10 goals -and launching the Penguin Foundation was one of them”. Though there were early challenges in getting the Foundation off the ground, his passion for philanthropy and wildlife has always shone through. Over the years, the Foundation has driven numerous impactful projects, from supporting Phillip Island Nature Parks’ conservation work and contributing to the construction of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, to funding vital conservation efforts such as the fox eradication program. Research supported by the Foundation has even helped influence global conservation initiatives. Peter extends his gratitude to Phillip Island Nature Parks and to his fellow Board members who have joined him on this remarkable journey - a journey that not only changed ecosystems but also provided personal strength and resilience.

Penguin Foundation Board Chair, Simone Clancy said, “On a personal note, my regard for Peter as both a person and a highly respected professional was key to my decision to join the Board and I am so pleased Peter and I were able witness the second release of the bush stone -curlews last year and see the impact of the Foundation’s work, together, first hand”.

We celebrate Peter’s expertise, guidance and generous contributions to the Penguin Foundation and offer our deepest thanks and wish him all the very best in the future.

Learn more about Peter's passion for penguins and his impact in this article published in The Age newspaper.