If you have a penguin-shaped space in your heart and you’re determined to help this incredible seabird flourish, this weekend’s Penguin Palooza has your name on it!
Betty’s Bay, South Africa (25 October 2023) — It’s been a positive chapter for the penguins, spanning local and worldwide waddle efforts. But the penguin power continues full steam ahead with another big event on the horizon—Penguin Palooza!
CapeNature and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) are thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated Penguin Palooza is on and set for this weekend at Stony Point Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay.
This will be the eighth Penguin Palooza and will feature a penguin release, exhibitors and activities for little ones—all penguin-approved.
However, beyond the fun, the Penguin Palooza is, in essence, a big effort to keep penguin awareness on the frontlines while educating the public about the challenges that penguin species face.
Just a quick look at some recent figures reminds us how important this is. A 2023 report by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, it was revealed that only seven colonies of African penguins collectively house over 95% of the remaining population in South Africa. This highlights the status of the African penguin in South Africa, and the urgent call to help the helpers working tirelessly to preserve these species.
“The alarming rate of African penguin decline compels us to take action. Our conservation efforts offer hope for the survival of these remarkable birds, and it’s through partnerships like the one with SANCCOB that we can safeguard not only these penguins, but also other species such as Cape and bank cormorants,” emphasises CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar.
Stony Point also has a special significance beyond being a picturesque backdrop as one of the spots where a penguin and seabird ranger can be found looking out for the breeding colonies. This ranger is one of ten across the Western and Eastern Cape who ensures dedicated vigilance, monitoring and rescuing, as SANCCOB CEO Natalie Maskell explains.
Anyone and everyone with a penguin-shaped space in their heart is encouraged to pop by. For more information about the event or to get involved, contact cwindvogel@capenature.co.za or Sharnay@sanccob.co.za.
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