We have already reported on the PAAZAB Conservation Award that was won by the Penguin Promises campaign back in April. The award has been making its way from uShaka Sea World in Durban to the Two Oceans Aquarium, where it will spend a few months before moving on to its next destination.
Penguin Promises is not a fundraising campaign. Rather, it focuses on raising awareness about the plight of the African penguin. Current data suggests that there are only about 60 000 of these endemic birds left on Southern African shores, and scientists believe they could be extinct in the wild within 20 years. Overfishing, climate change, pollution and habitat destruction are just some of the factors taking their toll on the species.
“We call on all South Africans to promise to make a change in their daily lives that will effect positive change in the environment, and in the lives of African penguins,” says Hayley McLellan, senior bird trainer at the Two Oceans Aquarium. “People are encouraged to promise to stop using plastic drinking straws, to eat only SASSI green-listed seafood (or to stop eating seafood altogether!), or to stop using single-use plastic bags for shopping. These changes can have an immense positive impact when they are made collectively.
“We urge people to support Penguin Promises by sending their promise to ipromise@penguinpromises.com.”
For further information about the Penguin Promises Waddle for a Week, visit www.penguinpromises.com or email Hayley McLellan on hayley.mclellan@aquarium.co.za.
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