This week, we shine the spotlight on the African Penguin as it faces its most challenging chapter yet – being on the brink of extinction. Martine Viljoen, the Marine Wildlife Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, shares important insights and tips on how to save these iconic black and white seabirds.
Cape Town, South Africa (24 January 2025) – This week, Monday, we marked World Penguin Awareness Day, and the plight of the African penguin has never been more urgent.
These iconic birds, with their distinctive braying calls and tuxedo-like appearance, have long been a symbol of South Africa’s vibrant marine ecosystems.
Today, they also serve as powerful emblems of the urgent need for marine conservation efforts.
According to the IAmWaterFoundation, in October 2024, the African penguin was officially up-listed to Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This development sends a stark warning that without immediate intervention, these penguins could disappear from our oceans by 2035.
Sharing her insights on these seabirds is a marine conservationist who knows all too well the challenges they face and how they can be better protected, Marine Wildlife Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Martine Viljoen.
Martine’s passion for penguin conservation spans more than 12 years, beginning with volunteer work and internships at SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds).
Through years of dedicated research and collaboration with leading conservation organisations, Martine has developed a deep understanding of the threats facing these magnificent creatures.
Protecting our penguins
To prevent the extinction of African penguins within the next decade, Martine outlines several crucial factors.
- No-take zones: Establishing no-fishing zones around key breeding colonies will protect vital foraging areas for penguins, reducing competition with the fishing industry.
- Strengthening rescue and rehabilitation programs: These programmes provide a crucial lifeline for abandoned penguin chicks, boosting their chances of survival.
- Promoting sustainable fishing practices: Shifting away from livestock fishmeal and towards sustainable alternatives is crucial to reducing pressure on the marine food web.
- Combating marine pollution: Addressing both physical and noise pollution is essential for creating a healthier and safer environment for penguins.
We can all play our part.
African penguins face a dire conservation crisis, but through collective action, we can make a meaningful difference.
This can look like respecting penguin colonies, supporting no take-zones, reducing plastic waste, volunteering or interning with organisations like SANCCOB or even opting for sustainably sourced seafood to reduce overfishing pressures on the penguins’ primary food sources.
Sources: IAmWaterFoundation
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