In recent years, penguin numbers had dropped dramatically from almost 2000 to under 100 due to attacks by foxes and stray dogs wandering onto the island.
The Maremma breed of dogs is better known for blending in and looking after sheep – but wild-life teams have discovered that the big white dogs can keep foxes and wild dogs away from penguins too.
Initial results from the penguin protection trial are promising - numbers are up from 27 to 70.
Maremmas training as penguin guards,
using farm animals instead of penguins.
