Four excited penguins waddled to freedom this weekend after spending time being rehabilitated at the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre.
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (12 September 2022) – Elvis Blue, Greenie, Redman and Runner were released back to the wild this weekend, to the delight of onlookers. The penguins waddled off to freedom after months of recovery.
The penguins are taken in and rehabilitated by the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The centre is one of the largest active wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape and attends to various animals accepting both terrestrial and marine species.
Every year, the rehabilitation centre cares for 230 to 300 different birds. Their facility is open to the public and works to create awareness around saving birdlife as well as small mammals.
The penguin releases have become a popular event as they inspire hope. Many people visit the beach to watch as the little African Penguins make their way back into their natural environment. The Natures Valley Trust always invites the public to join them in the celebration of the penguin freedom walk.
The recent release took place on Lookout Beach. Hundreds of tourists and locals lined the beach to watch the four penguins waddle to freedom.
Meet the Penguins
Elvis Blue came from Buffels Bay with a very bad foot injury, an ulcer and an eye penetration injury. It was unclear if he would regain sight in his eye, but the vets signed him off for release.
Greenie is a juvenile penguin found at Beacon Isle beach. He was very underweight and had a bad case of internal parasites.
Redman is a juvenile penguin that was found on Lookout beach. He was underweight, and a little weathered but has recovered well.
Runner is also a juvenile that was found on Natures Valley beach. He was mostly fine but also had a bad case of internal parasites.
Take a look at their release below.
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