Worry that visitors stress out penguins
ENVIRONMENTAL activists have raised concerns over the safety of penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, as visitors are “getting too close” to the birds.
The concern was raised after a travel Instagram influencer, with 1.1 million followers posted a picture of herself among the penguins. One of her followers had responded saying the penguins were “so cute”, they would “snatch one”. The influencer responded with a “love eyes” emoji.
A Cape Times reader took issue with the post and said it was unacceptable that tourists were allowed to take advantage of the penguins.
#Seathebiggerpicture deputy chairperson Shamier Magmoet said the African penguin population was dropping rapidly, with only 21 000 breeding pairs globally.
“Scientists predict that our African penguins might be extinct within 10 years. That is scary and it is why we need to do anything we can to protect them,” he said.
Magmoet said the species faced many threats, including visitors getting too close.
“People force their way close to penguins, close enough to touch. When you speak to the culprits they say ‘we paid to take pictures’. Should we not try to give these sea birds as much space and respect as possible, especially when we know that they are an endangered species?” he said.
SANParks spokesperson Lauren Howard-Clayton said they often found people inside the breeding area trying to take a picture of the penguins. That is an offense that could result in a fine, she said.
“The fine depends on the offense committed, which can range from R500 and more. We urge our visitors to respect penguins and give them the space they need while visiting their natural habitat,” she said.
The SA Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) research manager Katta Ludynia said any disturbance to penguins caused them stress.
“The African penguin is already suffering from low food availability and other pressures and any additional disturbance will make the situation worse. Birds breeding close to the boardwalk have habituated to having people around and would not be as stressed as birds coming ashore. Visitors must not climb fences, lean over the fences or use selfie sticks.”