Part of the renowned Middle Island Maremma Penguin Project, Amor was appointed as the project’s first ever ambassador dog.
This role saw him meet thousands of people from around the world at regular education sessions and at special events.
Amor was named after conservationist John Amor, who was an instrumental figure in establishing the Middle Island Maremma Penguin Project.
Middle Island Project Officer Nikita Dubberley said that at age 10, Amor was beginning to slow down.
“After 10 years of helping to spread our important conservation message, Amor is ready for retirement,” she said.
“As an ambassador dog, he really was the face of the project.
“When film crews came to capture the story of the penguins and the Maremmas, they almost always filmed Amor first, so his face has ended up on screens all over the world.
“It’s a role that he was made for. He just loves people. He’s just such a big softie.”
Amor will continue to live with fellow project Maremmas Avis, Mezzo, Isola and Oberon.
“Amor will spend his days at the farm with the other Maremmas, where he’s very much still a part of their little family,” Ms Dubberley said.
“Isola will step up and assist Avis in the ambassador role. Isola is an amazing dog and is well suited to undertake both an ambassador role while maintaining her status as a working dog on Middle Island, where she helps to protect the penguin colony and other nesting seabirds.”
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said the strong public interest in the project showed how widely its message had spread.
“While it was well-known locally, with the release of Oddball in 2015, interest in the Middle Island project really took off,” he said.
“The Penguin Protectors Warrnambool sessions have introduced thousands of people to the science, the dogs and the true story behind the movie.
“Everyone who comes along walks away with a deeper understanding of the project, and they tend to share that knowledge with others, becoming ambassadors just like Amor.
“Amor has done so much for the project, he’s a wonderful dog and I hope he enjoys a comfortable retirement.
“And as summer approaches, please help protect Middle Island and remind any visitors that it’s illegal to go there. If you see anyone on the island, please contact the Warrnambool police station.”
To find out about the Middle Island Maremma Penguin Project and to book in for a Penguin Protectors Warrnambool session visit www.warrnamboolpenguins.com.au
