Phillip Island penguins set a new record

A record number of little penguins have crossed the beach at Phillip Island.

On May 3, 5219 penguins crossed the Penguin Parade beach within 50 minutes.

The previous record — just over 4500 — happened only a few days earlier.

The record numbers are especially surprising because they’ve occurred outside the November/December breeding window.

General Manager of Destination Phillip Island, Kim Storey, says “there’s a question about whether there’s going to be another breeding season this autumn”.

There’s speculation the La Nina event is boosting food supply near the shore.

“There’s an abundance of food available to them,” Ms Storey said.

Press PLAY below to hear what may explain the record 

Image: 9News