Join Penguin Palooza to help save African penguin from brink of extinction

ONCE numbering in the tens of thousands, the African penguin is now listed as critically endangered, with fewer than 8 750 breeding pairs left in South Africa.

At Stony Point in the Western Cape, the population has dropped by nearly 50% in just one year, raising fears that the species could face extinction by as soon as 2035.

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As the world marked International African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday, 11 October, conservationists urge urgent action to protect this much-loved seabird — the only penguin native to Africa and a vital indicator of ocean health.

Experts warn that habitat loss, declining fish stocks, pollution and climate change are driving their rapid decline. Yet, through conservation, rehabilitation and education, there is still hope.

To raise awareness and inspire support, CapeNature and SANCCOB will host Penguin Palooza on Saturday, 8 November at Stony Point Nature Reserve.

This free, family-friendly event will feature educational activities and the rare chance to watch rehabilitated penguins released back into the wild.

Every penguin saved represents a small but vital step toward restoring balance to South Africa’s fragile marine ecosystems.

Visit CapeNature at https://zurl.co/dgA19 for more information.