South African Penguins

These adorable penguins are found on the south-western coast of Africa. In the past 30 years

there has been a 50% decline of their species and only about 20,000 breeding pairs are left – they

could possibly become extinct in our lifetime. There are many reasons for their population

decline such as oil spills, overfishing of their prey (sardines and anchovies), and guano

harvesting for fertilizer. When there are fewer fish in the sea, other predators such as seals will

target these penguins for food. Thankfully in recent years, the South African government banned

fishing in areas surrounding penguin colonies. Further, conservationists such as The South

African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) offer a rehabilitation

center for injured and malnourished adult penguins and abandoned penguin chicks.

Take a look inside of the SANCCOB rescue center:

https://youtu.be/wwH3fygSNVU

Follow the link below to help with the conservation of African penguins:

https://sanccob.co.za/adopt/

Resources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/07/endangered-african-penguins-get-boost/

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697810/132604504