The African Penguin, one of South Africa's most iconic and beloved seabirds, is now officially listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Conservation experts warn that without urgent intervention, the species could disappear from the wild by 2035.

In response to this growing crisis, CapeNature, in partnership with SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds), will host its annual 'Penguin Palooza' event at Stony Point Nature Reserve on Saturday, 8 November, starting at 10am. The free, family-friendly event aims to raise awareness about the alarming decline of the African Penguin while celebrating ongoing efforts to protect it.

According to CapeNature, the African Penguin population in South Africa has fallen to fewer than 8 750 breeding pairs, shrinking by roughly 8% each year. The decline is even more severe at Stony Point, where numbers have plunged from 1 200 individuals in 2023 to just 673 in 2024, 'only 27% of what the colony was a decade ago.'

The species' survival hangs in the balance, but through joint conservation initiatives, CapeNature and SANCCOB are working to give the penguins a fighting chance.

The African Penguin is unique to the continent, its only penguin species, and serves as an important indicator of marine ecosystem health. The decline is driven by several interconnected threats, including 'limited food availability, pollution, climate change, oil spills, and predation,' CapeNature explained.

Through collaborative rehabilitation programmes, conservationists are nurturing orphaned eggs and young birds in human care until they are ready for reintroduction to their natural habitat, while monitoring and rescuing ill or injured birds. These efforts, concentrated at Stony Point, represent one of the few remaining strongholds for the species.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, who is the CEO of CapeNature, underscored the urgency of the situation: 'If we do not act now, we may face a future without African Penguins in the wild. The Penguin Palooza showcases to present and future generations the importance of penguins to the environment and local communities.'

Naidoo further emphasised that partnerships remain vital to sustaining these conservation drives: 'Our efforts, alongside those of SANCCOB, WWF-SA, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, BirdLife SA, and the Betty's Bay Conservancy are essential to protecting this species. Together we are leading the effort to ensure the future of penguins on our coastlines.'

Adding to this, SANCCOB CEO Natalie Maskell said the annual event is a celebration of collaboration and a testament to the success of long-term teamwork.

'Together, our organisations have worked tirelessly to safeguard seabirds, resulting in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of seabirds, including the Critically Endangered African Penguin,' Maskell stated.

She added that through SANCCOB's programme maintains dedicated rangers at crucial breeding sites like Stony Point, utilising specialised skills in population monitoring, emergency rescue, and wildlife rehabilitation. the partnership continues to ensure vulnerable seabirds'survival by providing essential safeguards and a nurturing environment.

Beyond environmental importance, the Stony Point colony also holds deep economic and community significance. A recent report cited by CapeNature estimates that the penguins generate R55.6 million in annual tourism spend, supporting local businesses and livelihoods.

The On the Edge Restaurant, managed by the nearby Mooiuitsig Community, reinvests profits directly into community upliftment, illustrating that protecting nature also protects people.

The Penguin Palooza promises a day filled with education, entertainment, and conservation in action, including the release of rehabilitated penguins back into the wild.

The event will also feature local food and craft stalls, children's activities, and interactive exhibits, blending community celebration with environmental awareness.

As CapeNature put it, this initiative is not just about penguins, it's about preserving South Africa's marine heritage for generations to come.

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CapeNature sounds allarm for Africa's endangered penguins