Environmental workers from the Warrnambool City Council recently discovered four of the boxes, which are critical to the animal’s survival, had been kicked in. 

Sustainability officer Kristyn Abbott said three boxes had been seriously damaged while a fourth was beyond repair. 

“It’s been built up by the community so it’s disappointing that someone would just go out there and wreck them,” Ms Abbott said. 

She said witnesses had seen several “young boys” on the island two weeks ago.

Police were called to the scene but were unable to find the culprits. 

The spree even claimed a soon-to-hatch penguin after its parents were forced to abandon the nest, leaving the egg. “That’s a chick we now won’t have,” Ms Abbott said. 

The presence of people on the island can cause extreme disruption to the animal’s life cycle, she said. 

With little vegetation on the island to shield the small birds from the elements, the boxes are critical in sustaining the 140-strong population, which fell to just four penguins in 2005. 

The boxes were built and donated by the Warrnambool Men’s Shed and installed by volunteers and will now have to be repaired by council.

Increased local laws and police patrols will keep a close eye on the island over summer. However, security cameras have been ruled out. 

Middle Island is also home to a shearwater colony. 

Meanwhile, council will hold tours of the island next month to highlight the work of the resident maremma guard dogs. 

Tours will be held between January 7 and January 21. 

Bookings can be made from Boxing Day at the Warrnambool Visitor Infor-mation Centre.