6 Ways to Learn More About African Penguins
Speckles the African penguin plays with a toy during a Penguin Encounter at Newport Aquarium in Kentucky
African penguins once numbered in the millions. Research now suggests that they could go extinct by the year 2035. On October 14th, African Penguin Awareness Day, we shine a spotlight on these endangered birds in an effort to ensure their survival.
In the spirit of Awareness, I've put together a list of 6 great ways to learn more about African penguins.
READ
The Great Penguin Rescue: 40,000 Penguins, a Devastating Oil Spill, and the Inspiring Story of the World's Largest Animal Rescue
by Dyan deNapoli
This is an autobiographical account of the MV Treasure oil spill in 2000, which affected over 20,000 African penguins. The book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming as penguin experts from around the globe team up with scores of volunteers to save a species. I recommend the audiobook, which is narrated by Dyan deNapoli herself, a talented public speaker known to many as "The Penguin Lady".
The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins
by Sandra Markle
Not to be confused with the memoir by Dyan deNapoli, this children's nonfiction picture book provides a broad view of the struggles African penguins have faced and the actions people have taken to address them. With engaging photos and intriguing facts, this book is sure to inspire compassion in every reader.
The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins (Amazon)
WATCH
Penguin Town
by Red Rock Films
Narrated by Patton Oswalt, this playful documentary series portrays the sometimes troubled coexistence between African penguins and people in Simon's Town, South Africa. True to nature, there are some scenes of penguins in peril, so sensitive viewers be warned. That said, it's a fascinating account of what happens when civilization and wildlife collides, and there are plenty of heartwarming scenes and adorable baby penguins.
White Gold
directed by Katrin Baum
This short but poignant documentary focuses on the impact that guano harvesting has had on Humboldt and African penguin colonies. Created in partnership with Penguins International, this film details the complicated history of guano as both a penguin nesting source and a fertilizer for crops, and highlights the steps being taken toward penguin conservation.
VISIT
SANCCOB
Perhaps most well known for their involvement in oil spill rescues, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) runs public tours at their Cape Town and Gqeberha locations in South Africa. Visitors will go behind the scenes at a functioning seabird rescue and rehabilitation facility, and maybe even get to see a baby penguin being fed. SANCCOB has worked for decades on protecting and preserving African penguins, so you can rest assured that your tour will be educational and meaningful.
An Accredited Zoo or Aquarium
In recent years, reputable zoos and aquariums have been at the forefront of wildlife research and education. In 2015, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) developed AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, with African penguins being one of their key species. By visiting AZA organizations, you support their conservation efforts, including artificial nest box projects, tagging and identification projects, and disaster preparedness programs. At many zoos or aquariums, such as the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, you can even participate in a Penguin Encounter, allowing you to go face to face with African penguins in an intimate, educational setting.
AZA Accredited Zoos and Aquariums list
It's hard to deny that African penguins are in trouble. The first step is education. So whether your choose to cozy up with a book or take a trip to your nearest aquarium, why not learn some more about African penguins today? And maybe invite a friend or two.