Formalwear on the Beach?

When many people think of “Africa” they think of the wildlife. Lions. . .hippos. . .rhinos. . .elephants. . . and . . . penguins?

There is one species of penguin that breeds in Africa – the African penguin. They are only found on the coastline of southern Africa.

One of the best places to see the African penguin is on Boulders Beach (named for the huge rocks that pepper the beach) just 30km south of Cape Town on the Cape Peninsula.

The Table Mountain National Park at Boulders Beach is one of the few protected sites where these birds can be observed at close range.

Unfortunately, African penguins are on the list of endangered species. In 1910 there were 1.5 million birds on the southern coast of Africa. By the end of the 20^th century, only 10% of these remained due to overfishing (their source of food) and egg harvesting (for human consumption). On Boulders Beach in 1982, only two breeding pairs remained. However, due to the reduction of fishing in False Bay (the bay around the beach), the colony grew and now numbers between 2000 and 3000 birds!

African penguins mate for life. Each year, they meet their mate on the beach in January during breeding season. The penguins then nest until around August each year until their young are born and ready to enter the water. During this time, both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young. The entire colony stays close to defend the area around the nests as a group.

I noticed many of the penguins sitting in nests right on the beach.

However, some preferred a little privacy for their nests and waddled back into the trees just off the beach to nest among the roots.

African penguins also gather as a group before setting off to hunt.

Although they seem uncoordinated on land, when they get into the water they are immediately comfortable and graceful! They can stay submerged for up to two minutes and swim at speeds of 12½ mph when chasing fish!

Penguins’ feathers (once they lose their “baby feathers”) are waterproof. However, once a year, the old feathers are replaced when they molt. During this period, they lose their waterproofing and accordingly are confined to land. Prior to the annual molt, the birds fatten up in anticipation of 21 days without food while they wait for their new feathers.

Several penguins in various stages of their molt.

Penguins’ black and white coloring is camouflage for their primarily marine existence.

When they are swimming, predators in the air see mostly black which blends into the ocean water, but predators underwater see primarily white which blends with the sunlight coming through the water above.

I didn’t expect to see penguins when I came to Africa. And I really didn’t expect to see them hanging out on the beach on a sunny 80 degree day! But there they were, sunning themselves just like the people on the next beach down the road.

I guess everybody enjoys a day at the beach!

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