Penelope was found washed up on Miners Beach lying flat out on her back.

“She was most likely beaten up by rough seas and storms,”

a For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid (FAWNA)

volunteer, June Le Pla, said.

Ms Le Pla nursed the penguin back to health for a week on a diet of pilchards, whitebait and squid.

She said Penelope was most likely about a year old and could expect to have an average lifespan of about six years in the wild.

On Friday, Penelope was set back into her native habitat

at Shelly Beach.

“It’s important that people are aware that penguins do come ashore in Port Macquarie and sometimes get themselves into trouble,” Ms Le Pla said.

“If anyone does come across an animal distress they should call 6581 4141 immediately.”

Ms Le Pla said FAWNA was “desperate” for more carers.

“All of us are volunteers, we don’t get any government

subsidies or funding, which can sometimes make it difficult,” she said. “People don’t have to handle animals if they don’t want to. There are so many different roles for people to choose from and its very rewarding to help animals in need.”

Little penguins are also known as fairy penguins because of their size or blue penguins because of their indigo-blue plumage.