THE uShaka Sea World team continues to go above and beyond for the animals in their care and continues to take and rescue animals in need of medical treatment and care.

On July 14, the Mammal and Bird Department at uShaka Sea World admitted their second stranded penguin of the season. Unfortunately, their first patient, young Ace, did not survive. They are, however, hopeful that this young penguin, who was found stranded on the beach at Salt Rock, will not only survive but thrive.

“On admission, he was found to be terribly thin and dehydrated with bite marks on his left wing and right shoulder. Thankfully, X-rays showed no broken bones. The staff named him Bowie after 70s rock star David Bowie. After an initial period of deep rest and rehydration, he woke up with a surprisingly ferocious appetite. He has put on half a kilogram since he arrived. A healthy African Penguin at his age should weigh 2.8kg, and his weight was well below that figure,” said the South African Association for Marine Biological Research spokesperson Nikhiel Singh.

Also read: Rescued penguin returned to uShaka Marine World

“I am confident that Bowie will reach his goal weight within the next three weeks as he is already eating nine sardines a day. He is a gentle penguin who seems focused on regaining his strength while at the same time keeping himself nice and clean. He enjoys his baths and wipe-downs and tries hard to participate by clumsily attempting to preen himself. I feel honoured to be Bowie’s caregiver and look forward to every interaction I have with him,” said uShaka Sea World lead animal care specialist Kelly de Klerk.

“If you come across a penguin on any KZN beach, it is most certainly out of its home range and in need of assistance. Please do not attempt to return the penguin to the ocean and contact us as soon as you are able on our 24-hour line at 031 328 8222,” said Singh.

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