Come waddle through the Waterfront with us on 11 October to raise awareness about the African penguin. This threatened endemic species could be extinct within the next 15 years, but you can help to prevent this.
This charming penguin
Most people do not know that the African penguin (spheniscus demersus) is the last remaining penguin species on the African continent.
Scientists have shown that others did exist aeons ago, and it would seem that this raucous, much-loved “jackass” penguin proved to be tougher than the rest, claiming the southern tip of Africa as its own.
One cannot help but be entertained by this little bird in its black and white tuxedo – as conservationist Joe Moore states: “It is impossible to look at a penguin and remain angry.” We agree! And this may well be why hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to African penguin colonies along the Cape coastline every year. Spending hours marvelling at these birds at Boulders Beach or Stony Point is sure to leave any onlooker with that warm and fuzzy feeling, which we try to share with our friends who could not make the journey with us.
Under pressure
When a species chooses a region of nature to inhabit this would imply that the selected habitat has shown itself to be most suitable to the animals’ needs. This must have been the case in order for the African penguin to settle and establish themselves in these popular colonies in Simonstown and Betty’s Bay.
Sadly the species is essentially holding on by a thread as you read this. It has been established by scientists that 50,000 unthreatened breeding pairs is what is required in order for the species to remain viable. The figures today show less than 40,000 remaining individuals propping up the population. Historical influences such as egg collecting for human consumption and guano scraping for fertiliser probably did the most damage.
Modern day concerns abound too with reduced food sources, oil spills and pollution as well as predation from wild animals, some of whose populations are thriving to the point of creating imbalances at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Make a promise
The overwhelming fact that within the short space of 15 years, today’s generations may no longer be witness to the African penguin is one no one should have to contemplate. So what is to be done?
Each and every one of us can be a part of turning the tide for penguins as well as the planet. Visit www.penguinpromises.com for more info on how you can make a difference.
African Penguin Awareness Day
Conservationist groups around the world will be celebrating International African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday 11 October 2014.
Here at the Two Oceans Aquarium we will be honouring the penguins by hosting our very own Waterfront Waddle. It’s a 5-kilometre fun walk down to the Green Point lighthouse and back.
Date: Saturday 11 October 2014
Time: Arrive from 08h00 for face painting and refreshments, and to make your penguin promise. The Waddle is from 09h00 until 10h30.
Cost: free
Wear black and white clothes, walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and bring your friends and family. Waddle is appropriate for all ages.
Contact Hayley on 021 814 4532 or hayley.mclellan@aquarium.co.za for more details.
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