[3][4][5] Sealers on the cutter Jane and Emma (Captain John Shaw) landed there in October 1851 and took a number of fur seals, Cape Barren Geese and mutton birds.

[6]The lighthouse keepers’ cottages which stand today are of State Heritage significance and remain as evidence of the islands’ past contribution to maritime trade and safety.

The smaller islets of Althorpe Islands provide haul-out areas for nationally and state vulnerable Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea).

[14] An early written account of the native wildlife of Althorpe Island was printed in the South Australian Register in 1879: "Mutton birds make their 'holey' habitations on all sides of the Althorpes; seals sport in secluded spots; swift seagulls and solemn shags make the welkin (whatever instrument that is) ring consumedly; penguins, like little lads in white pinafores, inhabit the nooks and crannies of the rocks...

"[12] In 1951, a lighthouse keeper described the native wildlife at Althorpe Island: "Penguins nest there in the mating season, and their young are to be seen in nooks and crannies around the shore.

"[16][19] In 1886, the penguins of Althorpe Island were briefly mentioned in The Advertiser: "pairs of whom were found peering with pensive eyes out of holes in the sandy rocks."

In 1887, The South Australian Register also described them: "In crevices of the rocks innumerable birds find refuge, and in these and in holes in the sand the queer-shaped penguin also has its habitation.

[25] A survey conducted in 2013 estimated a population of 84 adult birds by counting burrow activity over half the island's breeding area.