A visit to the African penguins of Boulders Beach during your Southern African Safari will make a world of difference, both to the future of this endangered species and other sea birds, and to your consideration of the plight of these endearing black and white birds.
Picture this: It is 10am on the water and the chilly air belies the bright sunshine reflected all around you as you paddle out in your kayak or stand. Typical murmurings of the distant shore-break form a backdrop to the occasional splash of your paddles and the bliss is accentuated by the calls of seabirds overhead, an occasional dolphin on the horizon, and fish gliding silently beneath your kayak. As you progress, you notice a braying donkey-like call and then a few darting shadows in the distance, just seconds before you realize what you are seeing – flocks of penguins, on a beach, against the backdrop of Cape Town city. Penguin Paddle
Penguins in need
These are not just any penguins either, the African penguins of Cape Town are the only urbanized penguins worldwide and highly endangered to boot. African penguin numbers have plummeted in recent times from 58 000 breeding pairs in 2004 to just 19 000 now, thanks to the advances of civilization. It is clear that these cute little flightless guys need our help.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds
Enter SANCOBB. This organization works tirelessly in the defense of all kinds of seabirds and is internationally renowned for their work with oiled birds. It’s hard to believe that just one vessel cleaning its decks can coat 100 penguins in oil, leaving them cold, poisoned and dehydrated.
SANCOBB, in conjunction with Cape Nature, has taken the African Penguin under their wing and is actively involved in the rehabilitation of these birds and their natural habitat.
Have fun helping
There are a few things you can do, and all of them make a memorable day out while visiting Cape Town:
- Take a stand-up paddling or kayak trip to see these birds and appreciate them in the wild.
- Pay the small conservation entry fee to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach in the Table Mountain National Park. Take a walk among their nesting, recreation and resting sites along safe boardwalks to the information Centre where you can learn more about this endangered species.
- Take a guided tour of one of the SANCOBB rehabilitation centers in Cape Town or Cape St. Francis, shop at the curio shop there, or get really involved and volunteer as an intern.
- Make a direct donation to SANCOBB via their website or adopt a penguin.
The first step is booking your Southern African safari with us, get in touch and we will help you to include some of these thought-provoking activities into your itinerary.
