Waddle highlights endangered African penguins
At the current rate of decline it is estimated that there will be no African penguins in the wild by 2035.
Bendigo Conservation Group (BCG) recently hosted a walk on Southport Beach to create awareness of the endangered African penguin.
International African Penguin Awareness Day was observed on October 12, and BCG resolved to join the Worldwide Waddle #rememberthepenguins as they became aware that the aquatic, flightless birds had recently been reclassified as critically endangered.
Lots of rain in October led BGG to postpone the waddle to November, where a walk along the beautiful Blue Flag Southport beach was held.
Those who attended the waddle wore black and white, but the most noticeable ‘penguin’ was Joanie Stracman, who was all kitted out in a costume.
Over 30 participants dressed in black and white, followed by the inimitable Paddy Norman, up to Banana Beach and back, laughing and chatting, returning in under two hours. Boerewors rolls were waiting under the shady milkwood trees, and a delightful morning appreciating nature was had by all.
Joan Gallagher, the chairperson of the BCG, said they are grateful to sponsors who added value to the event. “We appreciate you and the wonderful waddlers who joined the walk. There are no penguins in the northern hemisphere. There are no naturally occurring penguins in KwaZulu-Natal. African penguins are the only species in Africa occurring from the West Coast to the Eastern Cape and are sentinels of ecosystem health.
“A population decrease indicates a decrease in the supply of food and ecosystem changes. At the current rate of decline, it is estimated that there will be no African penguins in the wild by 2035, ” said Joan.
For further information or to join the BCG, contact Joan Gallagher on 083 2667953.
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