Big bird flies penguins to their new life
After a rocky start, the penguins now have a second chance at life.
Two rescued and rehabilitated penguins hopped onto a Bateleurs plane at Virginia Airport, Durban North on Thursday to join their new family in Port Elizabeth.
Indigo and Groot were declared ready for release and “flight” by South African Association for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) after recovering at their temporary home, uShaka Sea World.
Indigo was admitted to uShaka Sea World on September 11, 2017 after being found stranded at Zinkwazi beach.
At only four months old, this little penguin was one of the youngest rescues to be brought to uShaka according to their spokesperson Ann Kunz.
“This little penguin clearly had a bad start in life. Thankfully, her recovery went smoothly and after a couple of months in the hospital facility, she joined the uShaka Sea World penguin colony where she regained her muscle strength and fitness,” said Kunz.
Groot arrived at uShaka Sea World in January after stranding on a beach in Scottburgh, South Coast. He too had an injury to his pectoral but unlike Indigo, who was otherwise well, he was severely dehydrated and undernourished.
“Staff watched over him anxiously for the first three days as he made slow and unsteady progress.
“Thankfully from the fourth day, he seemed to wake up with a ferocious appetite and his journey back to health began.”
The two penguins were received at the airport in P.E. by SANCCOB staff who will prepare them for the meet and greet with their new family and the final release back into nature.
Kunz said this period is dedicated to ensuring that they are socially bonded within a group of penguins prior to their release.
“Penguins are social birds and rely heavily on one another for their survival. We know that both Indigo and Groot are in good hands and wish them well on their journey.”
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