On Monday 22 April a group of conservationists and representatives from the African Animal Keepers Association will start the third annual Penguin Promises waddle from Gansbaai. They will walk every day for a week and reach the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town just after 12 noon on Saturday 27 April. The aim is to raise awareness about the endangered African penguin.
The Simon’s Town community have arranged free family activities to support the Penguin Promises waddle and invite you to join the fun on Jubilee Square between 10am and 2pm. The Two Ocean’s Aquarium will be on site with sea creature touch pools, face painting, penguin crafts and playful mascots to entertain and amaze all those interested.
Children from six local Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek pre-primary and primary schools have created pictures of penguins and their art will be displayed along St George’s Street from 10am on 27 April. Judges will decide the winners from various age categories and they will receive family meal vouchers from local restaurants. A set of books by two Kommetjie mums, Linda Fellowes (aka Lulu) and Theresa Acker (aka Tee), including the story of three African penguins Peter, Pamela and Percy, will be donated to the school libraries. Prizes will be awarded at 12 noon on Jubilee Square.
A penguin painting by Simon’s Town artist Marie Prinsloo will be raffled and here will be various prize giveaways including complimentary entry to the Two Oceans Aquarium and even a year-long membership for lucky winners.
“Most South Africans have no clue about how important our African penguins are. We think of these birds as ‘indicator’ species – in other words, the moment we notice that it in in decline, this is also an indication that the environment is degrading, so we’re asking that everyone makes a penguin promise – eat less meat; drive less often; plant a veggie garden” says waddle mastermind and Two Oceans Aquarium Animal Behaviourist Hayley McLellan.
Dress in black and white in support of the penguins and bring your family and friends.
