25 recently hatched penguin chicks had to brave stormy conditions before animal heroes rescued them. Now, they’re on their way to healing!
Gqeberha, South Africa (11 August, 2023) — In the midst of heavy rainstorms and frightening weather conditions for even the bravest bird, 25 recently hatched penguin chicks found themselves in a tough spot.
Heavy rainstorms struck Algoa Bay’s Bird Island, seeing many sea birds’ nests flooded.
The 25 chicks that had only hatched in the past two weeks were abandoned and unequipped to handle the circumstances. Luckily, even in the stormiest places, heroes prevail.
SANCCOB and SANParks helpers were quick to rescue the baby birds; leaving no chick behind as they gathered the huddle and headed off with them to a safe haven at the SANCCOB Gqeberha Centre.
Some of the birds weighed as little as two sticks of butter and many were found in shabby condition because of the weather woes with bald spots on their tiny bodies and flippers.
Thanks to the rescues, the little sea birds now have a chance to grow up and become the healthy penguins they were always meant to be.
SANCCOB shares:
“They will be hand-reared in our care for at least 90 days before they will be ready to be released back into the wild.”
With enough care and support, the penguin chicks will get to waddle in the footsteps of another set of penguins that faced similar circumstances as chicks and were recently released.
The penguin chicks are now up for adoption, but don’t start transforming your home to be a penguin sanctuary just yet.
By virtually adoption the Gqeberha penguins, you can name them and be part of their healing journey wherever in South Africa (or the world) you might be.
Make a difference directly here, or contact kirstie@sanccob.co.za to find out more on how to help.
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