The rescue of Benny, a juvenile African Penguin found exhausted and underweight at Port Edward, has highlighted the importance of teamwork in marine conservation efforts.

The critically endangered African Penguin is the only penguin species indigenous to Africa, with fewer than 10 000 breeding pairs remaining due to overfishing and climate change.

According to Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr), a concerned member of the public alerted rescuers last Friday, sparking a coordinated response across the South Coast.

Led by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife conservation officer Santosh Bachoo, volunteers from several ocean conservation groups worked together to transport the penguin safely to uShaka Sea World.

Tweni’s Tanya Nadauld from the KZN Marine Stranding Network, who had the opportunity to be part of a special chain of helping hands thanked all the wonderful humans who mobilised quickly to get Benny help. “Gosh, they say it takes a village and it does!” she added.

Wrapped in a towel and described as “a bag of feathered bones,” Benny arrived dehydrated and severely underweight after likely spending about 10 days at sea without feeding.

Saambr veterinarian Dr Caryl Knox found no major injuries, and after receiving fluids, vitamins and overnight care, Benny began eating fish the next morning.

Within days, the young penguin was swimming, preening and regaining strength, with her weight increasing from 1.51kg to 1.92kg.

Once fully recovered, Benny will continue rehabilitation with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds before being released back into the wild.

3 things to do if you encounter a stranded animal

If you encounter a stranded marine animal:

1.Do not handle or push them back into the ocean, as this can cause them to drown or mask an underlying injury.

2.Keep a safe distance, as wild animals are unpredictable.

3. Take a photograph if possible to assist the teams in identifying the species before they arrive.

Save these crucial emergency numbers

* KZN Marine Stranding Network: 031 328 8222 (office hours) or 031 328 8060 (after hours). This hotline covers all marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, seabirds, and sea snakes.

* KZN Sharks Board: 031 566 0400. Call them exclusively for whale and dolphin entanglements or distressed whale sharks.

* CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife): 031 462 1127 (office hours) or 083 2125281 (after hours). Reach out to them for coastal seabirds (excluding penguins).

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