Maremma guardian dogs Eudy and Tula have been the star attractions at Flagstaff Hill’s holiday program. 

Manager Peter Abbott said the two daily meet the maremma sessions have been “incredibly popular”, with visitors who have seen the film keen to get up close and personal with the pair. 

“It’s been really busy in the first two days of the break, but the sessions with the dogs have been the most popular by far,” Mr Abbott said. 

“People want to find out as much as they can about the maremmas, what they do on the island and how the whole project works.” 

Maremmas and penguins feature heavily on the village’s holiday program which runs two sessions daily. Participants are able to create their own penguin soft toy or a maremma magnet.

Mr Abbott said the film has also helped with the crowd sourcing campaign to raise money to buy and train two new maremma pups, with more than half the $25,000 target already committed.

“On the movies opening day $7000 was pledged and they are coming in steadily ever since,” he said. 

“There are 33 days left on the crowd sourcing campaign so there is still an opportunity for people to make a contribution.” 

He said the funds would allow for training the dogs, create new housing for them on and off island and provide funding for Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare to coordinate the volunteers who monitor penguin breeding and evening arrivals.

Visit flagstaffhill.com for details on how to make a donation and a full program of school holiday events.