The Standard reported the penguins were killed when dogs or foxes invaded their Middle Island home. 

None of the penguins had been eaten but all had small bite marks around the head and neck. Fisheries and wildlife officer Graeme Hanel said it was one of the worst attacks he had ever seen.

Mr Hansel said the dogs or foxes responsible for the thrill-kill would have accessed the island during low tide.

“An attack as large as this with a small colony is very damaging,” Mr Hanel said.

“It is a significant percentage of the population and it will have an impact. It takes a long time for a colony to build its numbers after a hit like this.”