Fun Ways to Support SA's VIP Seabirds: the African Penguin

Photo Credit: SANCCOB

Today marks a special day for South Africa’s VIP seabirds, the African Penguin! A time where penguin pals from all over the country unite to raise awareness for the species at risk of extinction, here are fun ways you can add your support:

South Africa (10 October 2024) — Today, South Africa’s VIP seabirds, the ever-fascinating African Penguin, are fully in the spotlight thanks to International African Penguin Awareness Day celebrations. Not just a time to enjoy cute penguin pics or a visit to Boulders Beach; this week is a pretty big one in the world of worldwide penguin welfare as penguin pals from all over the country unite to raise awareness for the species’ plight.

The Penguin’s Plight

To cut to the chase, the African Penguin is at risk of extinction. For the first time ever, we are at less than 10,000 breeding pairs—a huge wake-up call for the severity of the situation.

This doesn’t just mean that Africa’s only penguin species might not be around in 10 years (which, for most people, is heartbreaking enough); it also means marine ecosystems will face challenges impacting everything from seals to different species of fish.

With this threat in mind, penguin heroes like SANCCOB and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation are doing all they can to raise as much awareness as possible, as often as possible. In fact, over 13,000 people have signed the petition to nudge the government into taking far more action for our famed seabird!

Change is Not a Pipe Dream

This week, there are a lot of events on the cards across the country aimed at raising awareness, funds, and solidarity among VIP seabirds. The more people who decide that the penguin’s plight is the Earth’s plight, the more change can be made.

Lend a Flipper!

Muizenberg | The Penguin Waddle

On Saturday, 12 October, the African Penguin’s pals are going to be waddling from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town—the home of South Africa’s most famous penguin colony.

When: 12 October
Where: Muizenberg (Long Beach for the short waddle (11:00 am) and Surfer’s Corner for the long waddle from 8:30 am
Length: 4km short route and 16km for the long route
Need to know: Come dressed in black and white, and don’t forget to create an awareness sign!
RSVP: Here

Table View | African Penguin Awareness Day

A day set to be filled with fun and information at SANCCOB Table View, with options to tour their facilities, including the seabird hospital. There will be games, activities, food and like-minded company.

When: 12 October from 9 am
Where:22 Pentz Drive SANCCOB Table View
Cost: R10 per person; R40 for the tour
Book: education@sanccob.co.za

Gqeberha | Another Penguin Waddle!

If you can’t make Muizenberg’s waddle, don’t worry! Another Penguin Waddle hosted by SANCCOB is happening in Gqeberha for a cool 5 km.

When: Saturday 12 October; Register at 7 am and waddle starts at 8
Where: SANCCOB Gqeberha, Marine Drive, Cape Recife
Length: 5km
Cost: R60 for adults, R30 for children and R300 for a group of 6 (groups get a free penguin adoption too!)
Book: jessicavd@sanccob.co.za

Gqeberha | Penguin Flipper Fest

A celebration of African Penguin Awareness Day by SANCCOB featuring performances by Lucas Rising, Ben du Toit, Deon and Michelle and Written in Scarlet is happening this Saturday. If you love music and penguins, this event has your name written all over it.

When: Saturday 12 October
Where: Ziggy’s Reggae Bar, Pine Lodge, Gqeberha
Cost: R100 entry donation
Book: At Ziggys

Betty’s Bay | Penguin Palooza

An epic opportunity to see rehabilitated penguins venture back home into the wild is set to take place later this month as part of the annual Penguin Palooza.