Today is World Penguin Day and, if you don’t know by now, we are quite fond of these marine birds. We have two African penguin ambassadors (Zuki and Ayoba) that live at the Two Oceans Aquarium and we conduct an annual walking campaign to raise awareness of their plight. Rockhopper penguins also have a home with us.
Interestingly, according to Dispatchonline April 25, World Penguin Day, coincides with the annual northward migration of penguins.
Adopt an African penguin with SANCCOB
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is running a special offer for today only. Adopt an endangered, endemic African penguin for just R400 (saving you R100) – effectively you are paying for it to be released back into the wild, and for all-important data to be collected.
What does your adoption mean?
According to SANCCOB’s website, this is why you should adopt an African penguin:
“Each year during our busy winter season (June to November) we photograph each rehabilitated penguin before it is released back into the wild. Each bird receives a metal flipper band before it is released. The medical history of the bird corresponds to the number on the band and this information is captured onto our database. To adopt a penguin, we look up its number and provide you with:
- a letter of adoption including a brief history (where the bird came from, what was wrong with it, how much it weighed on admission and release etc)
- a photograph of the penguin
- a certificate of adoption; and
- back copies of our newsletter.
“The documents are then posted to you.”
We waddled for the African penguin
Did you know that currently only about 60 000 African penguins are left in the wild. Scientists believe the endangered African penguin will be extinct in the wild within 15 years. Things are not looking great for this beautiful bird, but with a concerted effort – which includes making small changes and spreading the word – we can still save it.
More facts about the African penguin here.
Our second Waddle for a Week campaign in honour of the African penguin was a great success.
Click here to see all the pictures from our campaign, which ended on 21 April at Boulders Beach, which just happens to be a breeding colony for the African penguin.
Visit our feathered friends!
Come and say hi to our African and rockhopper penguins today. Feeding times are at 11h30, 11h45 and 14h30 every day.
Remember to buy your tickets online to enjoy a discount.
Meet a rockhopper penguin
Our popular Penguin Encounters offers you an interactive session with a trained animal behaviourist and the too-cute rockies.
Our penguin pool is currently being upgraded but bookings are open for dates from 19 May.
Click here to find out more about the Penguin Encounter.
Stay in touch: For daily Aquarium updates, follow us on Twitter (@2OceansAquarium) and become a fan on Facebook.
