Penguin’s journey back to the ocean
Her recovery highlights the importance of collaboration in protecting endangered marine wildlife.
A juvenile African penguin rescued in Port Edward is one step closer to returning to the wild after a successful rehabilitation journey.
Benny was found in May, stranded, dehydrated and severely underweight.
Rescuers initially named the bird Ben, but DNA testing later revealed the penguin was female.
According to Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr), Benny arrived weighing just 1.5kg and required intensive care from the organisation’s animal care and veterinary teams.
“Over two weeks, Benny regained her strength and appetite, growing from a frail 1.5kg to a healthy and energetic 2.7kg,” said Kunz.
Last week, Benny was transferred to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) in Gqeberha, where she will receive final care before being released back into the ocean.
“Benny’s story is a wonderful reminder of what is possible when caring people work together,” said Kunz. “Without the concerned members of the public, the KwaZulu-Natal Stranding Network, Saambr and SANCCOB, this little penguin may not have survived.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
