African Penguin Conservation: A Life of Holding Our Breath

Words – Trudie Malan

Pics – Dyer Island Conservation Trust 

The African penguin is the only penguin species native to the African continent. Tourists from near and far flock to South Africa’s land-based colonies, eager to witness these charismatic, tuxedo-clad birds in action. Their playful antics delight the eye and warm the heart, leaving visitors with cherished memories of their encounter.

But beneath their charm lies a sobering reality — these beloved birds are in serious trouble.

In October 2024, the African penguin was reclassified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), edging dangerously close to extinction. The dramatic decline of the African penguin has far-reaching consequences, disrupting the delicate balance of marine life — something that affects all of us.

A History of Hardship

The African penguin’s story is one of resilience in the face of relentless challenges. For centuries, these seabirds have endured human exploitation—from excessive egg harvesting and guano scraping to devastating oil spills. Yet, the African penguin embodies the spirit of survival. As the saying goes, “Africa is not for sissies,” and these tenacious birds prove it every day.

Thankfully, dedicated conservationists and organisations have not stood idly by. Across South Africa, tireless efforts are underway to protect and restore African penguin populations.

Living on a Breath of Hope

Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Chairman of the Board for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, describes the emotional toll of African penguin conservation:

“We are always holding our breath.

When we witness the sheer scale of pelagic fishing fleets, we hold our breath—hoping for sanity, for collaboration, for a future where conservation and the fishing industry work hand in hand. Responsible fisheries should protect marine life and coastal ecosystems. An adaptive management system — one that enforces time and area closures around breeding islands during peak breeding season — could be the lifeline African penguins need

We hold our breath every time we hear about an oil spill.

When wild winter storms lash the colonies with torrential rain and icy winds, we hold our breath, hoping the exposed chicks won’t succumb to hypothermia.

In the scorching heat of summer, we hold our breath, fearing that desperate parents, seeking relief from the relentless sun, will abandon their eggs and chicks.

At the news of a positive Avian Influenza test, we hold our breath, praying the disease won’t tear through the dwindling colonies.”

But holding our breath isn’t enough. With every exhale, we must take action to prevent the African penguin from vanishing from our wild seascape.