Waddle for the African penguin: Join us on 11 October

African penguins are the only penguin species found on the African continent. Unfortunately, their numbers have declined dramatically in the last century – current estimates suggest that there are a mere ~8 750 breeding pairs in the wild today (a 16% decline in just one year, from 2022 to 2023). If their numbers continue to decline at their current rate, these charismatic birds will be functionally extinct in the wild within 15 to 20 years.

One of the biggest threats to African penguins is food availability. These birds rely on small fish, like anchovies and sardines, for food. However, overfishing has decimated fish stocks, and penguins struggle to find sufficient food for themselves and their chicks. Furthermore, climate change has significantly altered the marine ecosystem, causing biodiversity and habitat loss. So, adult penguins must swim further than ever from their nesting grounds to find food. This compromises the health of their chicks and the adults themselves.

This is not the only threat facing South Africa’s African penguin population, with predation by marine and terrestrial animals, pollution, noise disturbance, habitat loss, disease, and other human interventions contributing to their continued decline.

As a community, our voices matter. By joining the waddle, we not only show visible support but also call on our leaders and policymakers to prioritise penguin conservation.