Durban - Two endangered African Penguins flew home to Port Elizabeth early this week after being rescued on KZN beaches. The two birds spent time in the rehabilitation centre at uShaka Sea World.
Gucci and Havaiana, arrived at Sea World within a week of each other after being found stranded on separate KZN beaches; Gucci from Port Edward and Havaiana from Tinley Manor.
Both were markedly underweight but they have gained 1.8 and 2.8kgs respectively since their arrival. "In addition to being underweight, Havaiana also had an injury to his leg that has thankfully, completely healed," said animal behaviourist, Kerry Cahill.
The tightly bonded pair follow each other when they are swimming and waddling about. "Gucci is very good at keeping Havaiana in her vision and I have no doubt she will claim him as her lifelong mate once they are released," said Cahill.
Resident veterinarian, Dr Francois Lampen, gave the pair their "flying colours" certifying them fit to travel to Port Elizabeth to begin the final stage of their rehabilitation journey - preparing for release.
Saturday October 7 is African Penguin Awareness Day which aims to raise worldwide awareness about the plight of the endangered African penguin. African penguins (also known as jackass penguins) are endemic to Southern Africa do not call anywhere else home. Since the turn of the 20th century, the world has lost 99% of the African penguin population with the species threatened by climate change and overfishing.