Pop star Kylie Minogue is backing the welfare of Victorian penguins after being named an ambassador of the Phillip Island Penguin Foundation.

Minogue says she has been a long-time fan of the Phillip Island penguins after visiting the mammals on family holidays as a young girl.

"I'm thrilled the area and welfare of the Little Penguins has been preserved," Minogue said.

"And I hope they will find a place in the hearts of the many tourists who visit each year."

Minogue's appointment coincides with the foundation's second anniversary.

Other ambassadors include Joan Rivers, David Suzuki, Kerri-Anne Kennerly, Andrew Denton and Vanessa Amorosi.

The public is invited to name Minogue's adopted penguin in her role as a penguin parent or ambassador.

Minogue will choose the name she likes the most.

To register, visit http://www.penguinfoundation.org.au

AAP