A rare wildlife rescue on Manaba Beach has ended sadly after a juvenile African penguin, found exhausted far from its natural range, died despite efforts to save it.

The penguin was discovered on July 17, by well-known South Coast couple Madelein and Simon du Plessis, who found the bird washed ashore and immediately realised it needed help.

The couple remained with the penguin, protecting it from curious beachgoers and dogs until the Lower South Coast SPCA arrived. Inspector Dumisani Gumede responded and safely secured the bird before it was transferred into the care of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) for treatment.

At the time of the rescue, the penguin appeared tired, but otherwise in reasonable condition, with no obvious external injuries.

However, despite the efforts of the rehabilitation team, the penguin later died.

Ann Kunz of SAAMBR said a necropsy revealed the bird had suffered multiple musculoskeletal injuries, most likely caused by a shark bite.

“The penguin was a juvenile, and it is not uncommon for juvenile penguins to fall prey to predation,” she said.

African penguins are rarely seen on the KZN South Coast, and Simon pointed out that the closest breeding colony situated at Betty’s Bay in the Western Cape, about
1500km away.

Although the outcome was heart breaking, the rescue highlighted the importance of members of the public reporting stranded wildlife rather than attempting to handle wild animals themselves.

Madelein thanked the SPCA for its swift response and urged beachgoers to keep their distance if they encounter an injured or stranded marine animal.

“Secure the area by keeping dogs and people away, but don’t touch the animal. Contact the SPCA, and they will ensure the animal receives the appropriate care,” she said.

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