Today is International African penguin Awareness day.
A day to celebrate and highlight these cute aquatic birds.
Extinction
This species is still on the brink of extinction with only approximately 50,000 birds left in the wild.
It is estimated, that with the current level of decline they will be extinct by 2026….
A short 7 years from now!
A waddle for penguins
We headed to the V & A Waterfront to join the Two Oceans Aquarium in a fun waddle for penguins.
Dressed in black we were ready for the easy 3km walk around the waterfront district.
Before setting off we were encouraged to paint our faces
and enjoy a penguin cup cake treat.
Hamish was extra excited and although scared of the mascot,
he really loved the soft toy penguin and happily let me get some photos of him with it.
Just after 9.30am we set off on our hour long walk. The excitement was in the air as aquarium staff and public encouraged motorists along the route to HOOT FOR PENGUINS!
Hamish got caught up in the excitement very quickly and joined in with all the energy of a 3 year old.
He however, decided he wanted to be the leader and joined the amazing aquarium staff up in the front of the group to lead the waddles.
It was a lot of fun. Hamish managed th entire 3km walk and I’m looking forward to many opportunities to share with Hamish why we were hooting for penguins this morning.
About the African Penguin
The African penguin feeds on fish such as anchovies and sardines.
Adapted for its aquatic lifestyle, the African penguin can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour (20 km per hour) in the water and travel from 18 – 42 miles (30 to 70 km) in a single trip.
An average dive last for 2.5 minutes, reaching depths of almost 200 feet (60 meters).
How you can help
- Support our aquariums: they use the funds for much needed education, research and to look afte the birds in their care.
- Refuse single-use plastic:
Penguins can ingest or become entangled in plastic packaging, their food, the fish are ingesting microplastics which are passed to the penguins. - Say no to all plastic: Plastic is made from oil, if we reduce our demand for plastic we also reduce our demand for oil. Oil spills are disastrous for penguins.
- Join beach clean ups: help to remove the plastic which could end up in their home.
- Recycle
- Consume only sustainable fish
- Educate others: on both the bird and how to care for the oceans.
