This National Geographic documentary series recounts the amazing true story of a penguin colony on a tiny Australian island saved from the brink of extinction by unlikely heroes – Italian Maremma guardian dogs.

In a world first wildlife experiment the courageous community of the town of Warrnambool, together with dedicated volunteers and environment authorities, fought against the odds to rescue the defenceless little penguins after foxes had reduced their number from several hundred to just four surviving birds.

When all hope seemed lost they adopted the idea of a local chicken farmer who was ridiculed when he suggested that Maremma dogs were the penguins’ last chance against the marauding fox menace.

The five one-hour episodes recount the highs and lows of the real-life Maremma project, examine the Little Penguin species, the role of guardian animals, and the ongoing battle to save Australia’s native animals from introduced pests and predators.

First broadcast 6 September 2015.