CapeNature and SANCCOB have collaborated to provide locals with an opportunity to protect the African penguin at Penguin Palooza taking place this weekend, on 26 October 2024. Participants stand a chance to partake in a unique experience of releasing an African penguin back into its natural habitat.
African penguin in serious danger
The African penguin is a type of penguin that is only found in the waters of southern Africa. Currently, there are fewer than 8 750 breeding pairs remaining along the South African coast, and this population is declining at an alarming rate of 8% each year. If this trend continues, experts predict that these penguins could vanish from the wild by 2035, as reported by capetownetc.
Factors contributing to this situation include the limited availability of food, pollution, climate change, oil spills, and predation.
“If we do not collectively work together to ensure the survival of these seabirds, we may soon face a future where these penguins will no longer be found in their natural habitats.”
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature
CapeNature in collaboration with SANCCOB is working to rehabilitate ill or injured penguins and nurture them until they can be released back into the wild.
This year’s Penguin Palooza
Penguin Palooza gives everyone a unique chance to witness the release of these birds while highlighting the teamwork of various conservation organisations working together for the environment.
This year’s event will take place at the Stony Point Nature Reserve located in Betty’s Bay. The reserve is home to a unique colony of African penguins. The main aim of the event is raising awareness around the endangerment of these birds.
Entry is free of charge, and the event will start at 10:00 on Saturday, 26 October 2024.
Directions for those driving from Cape Town
- Take the N2 north.
- Just before Sir Lowry’s Pass, turn right on to Sir Lowry’s Pass Road.
- At the T-junction in Gordon’s Bay, turn left on to the R44 (Clarence Drive), following the road along the coast, past Rooi Els and Pringle Bay.
- Turn right at the first sign for Betty’s Bay, on to Porter Road.
- Follow Porter Road for 2.5km, then turn right on to Crassula Avenue.
- Turn right on to Disa Road at the four-way stop 600m down Crassula Avenue, and then follow the signs to Stony Point, which will be on your left.
Do you plan on taking part in this event?
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