PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Ten rescued African penguins waddled their way to freedom on Lookout beach in Plettenberg Bay on Saturday following several months of rehabilitation.
They were the centre of attention of about 500 residents and visitors, who eagerly gathered on the beach for their release, looking on.
At first there were a few moments of hesitation when their enclosure was opened, but as soon as they hit the sand, they headed straight for the ocean to the delight of onlookers.
Click here for a photo gallery.
The rehabilitation and release was a collaborative effort by several organisations including the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre, BirdLife SA, BirdLife Plettenberg Bay and the Nature’s Valley Trust.
Tenikwa spokesperson Amelia Havemann says the penguins were all rescued between Nature’s Valley and Goukamma, adding that some were moulting while others had avian malaria or tick bite fever.
“Over the past four months there has been a steady influx of young penguins to Tenikwa… Three of the birds also had injuries to various body parts, some affecting waterproofing and others impairing movement or sight.” Havemann said.
Their arrival at Tenkiwa was followed by months of intense care and treatment by Tenikwa staff to ensure that they were ready to be released.
'And off we go'
'No small task'
Havemann said the rehabilitation process was no small task and explained that each penguin, upon arrival, was photographed to capture their chest plumage as a method of “double marking”.
“Every African penguin has an individual spot pattern. Double marking refers to the fact that each penguin will also get a transponder to identify them.”
The penguins in the water.
Measurements of the penguins’ bills, heads, flippers, girth, bodies and feet were also noted.
“In our wildlife hospital each penguin has a data sheet to record all the findings by our vet nurse and animal keeping team.”
During their time at Tenikwa they were nursed back to health. Havemann said one of the most important parts of the pre-release programme was swimming and exercising the penguins daily so that they would become fit enough to cope with their reintroduction to the ocean.
Other measures included waterproofing their feathers to ensure they can spend extended periods at sea without losing body temperature.
“We also analyse their blood to ensure that they do not carry any blood-borne diseases and their blood results are clear of any health problems. We also deworm them to ensure that they are clear from any parasites.”
“The last phase of the rehabilitation or release programme, before vet clearance, includes blood sampling.”
Thereafter each penguin receives a transponder. “Before doing this, a number of small downy feathers are plucked to clear the skin surface. Each penguin’s feathers are also stored individually in an envelope.”
The penguins out at sea.
“They carry microchips so we can identify them again if required. They will presumably stay in Plett for some time to come.
"Nine of the 10 are very young and will spend three to four years at sea before returning to the colony they came from, which we assume is Port Elizabeth.”
Before they were released, each penguin received a clean bill of health by Dr Brendan Tindall from the Robberg veterinary clinic.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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