Skeinz, a yarn store in New Zealand is calling on knitters worldwide to make sweaters for penguins affected by the 2011 New Zealand Oil Spill. The sweaters prevent oil-soaked birds from preening (and poisoning) themselves, and keep them warm before and after they are cleaned by cleanup workers.

The Tasmanian Conservation Trust made a similar request in 2001, but instead of the 100 sweaters they asked for, they received 15,000.

UPDATE: Skeinz has posted an update saying that they now have enough swathers for the penguins, no need to send any more.

Thanks to Andrea K for the tip!

Photo 1 by Unknown, Photo 2 via the AP, Photo 3 via The Salt Lake Tribune