Cape Town - Cape Town’s beloved Two Oceans Aquarium is gearing up to host an interactive African penguin awareness march this coming Saturday.
The march, which will take place at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday, will be held in commemoration of the day observed internationally to highlight the plight of the African land birds.
According to the Two Oceans Aquarium, the extinction of African penguins is now more imminent than before.
Two Oceans Aquarium communications manager Renée Leeuwner said that with the current rate of decline, the aquarium estimates that African penguins will be functionally extinct by 2035.
“Without immediate awareness, intervention and public support, in just seven short years we may never see another penguin again on South Africa's coast. That’s why we have organised this march to mobilise penguin enthusiasts like us to take action while there is still time.”
She said: "Currently, there are only 10 400 breeding pairs of African penguins left, split among 28 colonies. Just 100 years ago, single colonies often had over 1 million penguins.
“At the current rate, there will not be enough penguins left to support their species, and they will be functionally extinct within 10-20 years.”
“Fortunately, incredible organisations like BirdLife South Africa and Sanccob are working tirelessly to save these birds and implement novel solutions to prevent their extinction, but they can only accomplish these goals with your support,” Leeuwner said.
The Two Oceans Aquarium penguin march will start at the entrance to the Two Oceans Aquarium at 9.30am on Saturday.
“The easy 3km walk will start here at the aquarium and follow a safe walking route around the V&A Waterfront. We will depart the aquarium at 10am at the latest once the group has assembled.
“The stroll should take about an hour, which means you will be back in time for the African penguins at 11.30am feeding time at the penguin exhibit.
“All our participants are encouraged to come dressed in their most creative black and white, to be entered into a lucky draw where they can win amazing prizes,” Leeuwner said.