There are too many mediocre things in life, but thankfully tiny penguins wearing tiny sweaters isn’t one of them.

A 2013 oil spill endangered a rare species of small penguins appropriately known as Little Penguins that inhabit Southern Australia and New Zealand. After the spill, the Philip Island Penguin Foundation called on the public’s assistance. Scientists and researchers knew that something was needed to save the species from extinction. What’s the answer to preserving these cute, l\ittle penguins? Equally cute, little sweaters.

The oil spill disaster called for a hero, and Alfred “Alfie” Date stepped up to the plate. After two nurses approached Date in his retirement home, he spoke to Australia’s Nine News about knitting sweaters for the little penguins.

At 109 years old, Australia’s oldest living man Date knit numerous tiny sweaters for those tiny penguins. And the only thing cuter than tiny sweaters for tiny penguins is old people knitting tiny sweaters for tiny penguins.

“The [nurses] who used to work for me, they’ll tell you I’m a sucker. I can’t say no,” said Date.

Now I know that many readers may be thinking, “So is the foundation dressing these endangered penguins with knitted sweaters as a fashion statement to pull in donations?”

No, these sweaters are essential to their survival, plus they’re freakin’ adorable, look at ‘em.

Going off general elementary school knowledge, once their feathers become matted with oil, the penguins tend to preen themselves clean, which often leads to more ingestion of oil. These sweaters prevent the penguins from preening and assist in soaking up excess oil stuck to their feathers. 100 percent wool sweaters maintain the internal temperatures of the penguin while allowing them to breathe normally. And according to the Philip Island Penguin Foundation website, 96 percent of these penguins are saved, rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Many knitters have donated to the foundation and now they hold a tiny sweater surplus. All excess sweaters and those that do not meet requirements are sold online and donated to the Penguin Foundation.

But while the foundation does not need any more sweaters, the pursuit to assist penguins and the Penguin Foundation continues. Along with donating to the organization, you can also adopt your own tiny penguin. You click and choose one from an online catalogue, after which they box up and mail you a little penguin with instructions for care. Sadly the sweater is sold separately.

Just kidding, but you do receive a thank you letter and a thank you card with a penguin photo.

Writing this story took me longer than I expected because I constantly wept tears of joy over the preciousness of these penguins. I mean, look, they’re wearing sweaters! Silly penguins, ya’ll don’t wear human clothing, nevertheless knitted sweaters.

If you’re friend is having a bad day, show them a picture of a tiny penguin wearing a tiny sweater. I 96 percent guarantee that they’ll cheer up.