Recently a few oiled African penguins were found on our immediate coastline and as far as Struisbaai. Thankfully the birds were able to be immediately treated at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Gansbaai.

When a situation such as oiled birds arises, word is immediately put out to the partners of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust so all can work together for the benefit of our seabirds. One of the calls made was to Taurus Chemicals who by the next morning had found an oiled penguin in Blompark and immediately called it in. “The importance of Taurus staff as our eyes out there for penguins and other seabirds in need cannot be under estimated and the Trust is grateful for the support,” said Trust founder Wilfred Chivell.

So it was arranged that Taurus staff attend an informative presentation with Xolani Lawo at APSS to fully understand the endangered status of the African penguin and to see “Taurus”, the penguin they helped to save.

To date APSS has admitted 27 African Penguins: 2 Fishing Line entanglements, 7 bite wounds (shark or seal), 15 oiled and 3 stranded. Websites: www.dict.org.za / www.africanpenguin.org. Remember the Penguin Rescue Line: 072-598-7117. 

Brenda Du Toit (Personal Assistant: Wilfred Chivell)

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