WASHINGTON — Australia’s oldest man has found a pretty adorable hobby that helps injured penguins.
Alfred “Alfie” Date, 109, spends much of his time knitting tiny wool sweaters for small penguins injured in an oil spill near Phillip Island in 2001 in a program called “Knits for Nature.”
Phillip Island’s Penguin Foundation requested the sweaters after an oil spill injured more than 400 penguins that are specific to southern Australia and New Zealand. The sweaters go on the penguins before they are washed and the oil removed by the staff.
The sweaters prevent the injured penguins from preening and swallowing the toxic oil. Also, oily birds become distressed, cold and less-effective hunters.
Date, who has been knitting for more than 80 years, told Australia’s Channel Nine News that he couldn’t say no to the opportunity.
“It’s a good way of getting along in life,” he told Nine News.
Members of the foundation, which shares an island with a large colony of the penguins, say it is an honor to have such an experienced knitter supporting the cause.
“We knew he was over 100 years old, but had no idea he was declared the oldest person in Australia,” said Danene Jones, a foundation employee.
“It’s amazing and we feel quite privileged to have him dedicating his time and effort to the Penguin Foundation.”
The foundation has been overwhelmed by the response to the Knit for Nature program, and does not need any more sweaters for the penguins. If you still want to help out, the foundation allows people to adopt a penguin or make donations through its website.
