Cape Nature took the platform raised by International African Penguin Awareness Day, on the 08th October 2025, to raise awareness about the plight of African Penguins, now listed as Critically Endangered.
This is because there are currently fewer than 8, 750 breeding pairs remaining in South Africa.
At Stony Point Reserve, in Betty’s Bay, the population has plummeted by nearly 50% in just one year.
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the species, CapeNature and SANCCOB have organised a public event -the Penguin Palooza for Saturday, 8 November 2025 at Stony Point Nature Reserve.
Entrance is free to the event, open to the whole family, to witness the release of rehabilitated penguins, back into the wild.
Habitat loss, declining fish stocks, pollution, and climate change are contributing factors to their rapid decline, but through conservation, rehabilitation, and education, there is still hope.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said “if we do not act now, we may face a future without African Penguins in the wild. The Penguin Palooza showcases to present and future generations the importance of penguins to the environment and local communities. Our efforts, alongside those of SANCCOB, WWF-SA, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, BirdLife SA, and the Betty’s Bay Conservancy are essential to protecting this species. Together we are leading the effort to ensure the future of penguins on our coastlines and raise the profile and awareness of the African Penguin among the public.”
Picture: SANCCOB