What Happens During Penguin Moulting?

Once a year, African penguins go through a natural process called moulting. This is when they shed their old feathers and grow a fresh, waterproof coat. While it’s a necessary part of their life cycle, it’s also a very vulnerable time.

During moulting:
• Penguins cannot swim because their new feathers are not yet waterproof.
• They are unable to hunt and must fast for up to three weeks.
• Parents are forced to leave their chicks unfed while they remain on land.

As a result, many chicks are left abandoned and at risk of starving.

At the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, we step in to help. Each year, our team rescues vulnerable chicks from Dyer Island and brings them into our care. Here they receive food, medical treatment, and round-the-clock support until they are healthy and ready to be released back into the wild.

This work is only possible with your support. Donations help us buy fish, pay for veterinary care, and give each chick the best chance of survival.

If you’d like to help, please consider contributing toward the care and feeding of the rescued chicks.