On April 2, President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on goods exported from a handful of uninhabited volcanic islands near Antarctica.
Well, uninhabited by humans.
According to World Wildlife Fund Australia, two islands in the heart of the Southern Ocean — Heard Island and McDonald Islands — are home to “some of the most iconic and ecologically significant penguin species on the planet,” including the macaroni, eastern rockhopper, gentoo, and king penguins.
And now you can support those vulnerable penguin species by buying pebbles from them at the Heard Island Pebbles shop.
The website — created by Kindred Studio co-founders Milla Novak and Janelle Mais — is written from the “perspective” of the Heard Island penguins.
“When we heard Trump had put a 10% tariff on exports from our island, we were in quite a flap,” reads a statement on the Heard Island Pebbles website. “Sure, no humans live here — but maybe it was time to contribute to the global economy. So, we put our beaks together and devised a plan to launch our first ever export: pebbles.”
“Used traditionally for nest-building, romantic gestures, and chick entertainment, pebbles are now being sold to humans worldwide in a playful attempt to build their ‘nest-worth’ and give back to the environment,” Kindred Studio added in a press release.
On the Heard Island Pebbles shop, a digital pebble is listed as “a stunning symbolic purchase to donate money to conservation efforts.”
The team at Heard Island Pebble added that the illustrated graphic is “wonderful for posting on social media to show your support for the penguins of Heard Island — and your confusion on why tariffs were imposed on a human-free place.”
The shop also features a real, tangible pebble that’s “wonderful for nest building, impressing love interests, or keeping the chicks entertained.”
“If you’re not a penguin, our pebbles make great pot plant decor, paper weights or a centerpiece for weighty conversations on international trade,” the website adds. “Please note, if you live in America, pebbles will cost an extra 10%. Because tariffs [frowning face].”
The tongue-in-cheek website isn’t just good for a laugh — 100% of proceeds will be donated to WWF Australia, “to help protect the penguins of Heard Island and support broader conservation efforts in the region.”
According to WWF Australia, current protection levels for the species are inadequate.
“If we want to protect this pristine wilderness and ensure the survival of its iconic penguin species, we must take action now.”
In addition to purchasing pebbles, penguin lovers can sign an online petition calling on the Australian Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, to increase protection for the critical marine habitats and even “adopt” a penguin — a donation that comes with a penguin stuffed animal and an adoption certificate.
“Adopt a penguin today and you’ll be helping to protect them and other vulnerable animals from extinction,” WWF Australia writes. “Your kindness will help defend their habitat and food sources, to ensure our incredible wildlife remain part of our world forever.”
Header images via Heard Island Pebbles / World Wildlife Fund Australia
