PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - While the cool and damp weather on Friday 2 March momentarily halted four African penguins’ dash for freedom along Plettenberg Bay’s Lookout Beach, nothing could stop the birds once they finally hit the water.
The four marine birds – an adult and three juveniles – were part of a release programme by the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre Nature’s Valley Trust and Birdlife South Africa.
The penguins had been found stranded along Plettenberg Bay’s coastline over the past few months and had undergone rehabilitation at Tenikwa.
This was the third release of its kind over the past year and has not only been a conservation initiative, but also an educational tool for communities to get involved in such efforts.
Tenikwa’s Mandy Freeman said the four birds had been brought to the centre for various reasons including injuries, disease and moulting.
“The adult penguin had suffered injuries caused as a result of a bite by a predator,” Freeman said.
She added that once the penguins arrive at Tenikwa a rehabilitation process starts which includes nursing them back to health and then preparing them for release.
Among the issues that are addressed include ensuring the penguins are adequately waterproof before they hit the water. If not the penguins can suffer hyperthermia.
Another is making sure they are disease free before they are released and this is established with various tests during their stay at the centre.
“We also do blood tests to make sure their immune systems are strong enough to survive in the wild.”
The rehabilitation process can take anything between two weeks to several months which then follows a “readying for release” phase which is about two months.
Freeman said the penguins will most likely remain in the area for some time before venturing out.
The penguins had been found stranded along Plettenberg Bay’s coastline over the past few months and had undergone rehabilitation at Tenikwa.
“It is very interesting that even though some penguins become quite tame during rehabilitation, their instincts remain strong. Research has shown that this has no effect on their ability to survive.”
Freeman added that the latest release was successful although the penguins had initially been distracted by the wind and weather on the day.
“The water was relatively warm considering the weather, so it wasn’t an issue.
"We like to release them in warmer water, to minimise the shock. ”
After a bit of guidance from staff, they soon made their way to the waves and disappeared within seconds.
They soon made their way to the waves and disappeared within seconds.
Freeman further said that the turnout for the release was wonderful and that about 250 locals and visitors gathered on the beach to see the spectacle.
“We even had some learners from a local school gathering to see the penguins off. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the community about our conservation efforts.”
On Sunday another penguin was found stranded in the Robberg area.
“The penguin is undergoing a natural moult and will be looked after until the bird is ready for release.”
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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