Endangered Penguins Released Back On Dyer Island

The team at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary is happy to report that 16 African penguins were returned to their home on Dyer Island, on the 25th of November 2022. This follows the first batch of 41 little ones on the 19th of November. The remaining penguins will hopefully be released early in the new year.

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary removed a total of 120 chicks from Dyer Island since the beginning of November. These chicks were relocated to the sanctuary and hand-raised until they were strong enough to survive on their own. The project is part of the African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in a bid to stabilise the declining African penguin population.

Did you know?

Over the last 30 years, the number of African penguins breeding in South Africa has declined by 73% from 42,500 breeding pairs in 1991 to 10,400 pairs in 2021. 

Fast Action Was Needed To Save The Penguin Chicks

The chicks were removed at the end of the breeding season when the adults went through their annual moult. This was to help chicks whose parents started their moults before their offspring reached the fledgling stage. These chicks would have either starved to death on the island or tried to venture into the ocean in search of food. The results would have been disastrous because chicks don’t have enough fat reserves necessary to survive the cold.

A Team Effort To Ensure The Best Success Rate Was Achieved

Since the first chicks were removed from Dyer Island, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary team has been working around the clock to cope with the baby boom.

Donations Urgently Needed

“We are deeply grateful for all the support we have received from private donors, as well as those who visit our coffee and curio shop at the penguin sanctuary as all profits remain dedicated to our conservation efforts.” Xolani Lawo, Senior Bird Rehabilitator 

With so many extra beaks to feed, an added financial burden has been placed on the sanctuary's already stressed budget. Just like human babies, these little ones can be quite fussy about what they eat. These little fluffy ones insist on fresh, fatty fish of the very best quality, and won’t settle for anything less. Sardines need to be ordered from a specific supplier in Hermanus, that stocks fish that seems to please the African penguin pallet!

If you would like to donate towards this project, please contact the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Remember, even the smallest donation will go a long way to help save African penguins for future generations.