I woke up earlier than usual knowing a full day of touring the Cape awaited starting with Table Mountain then out to the Cape of Good Hope. Plus the possibility to see penguins at Boulders Beach on my way back to Moon Glow Guesthouse near Simon’s Town. How could I not stop to see penguins. It was late, I had to hurry and my camera’s memory card was full after only a few shots.
So I returned the next day, my last day in South Africa. Nice having the Wild Card for free access into South Africa’s National Parks.
These little tuxedo clad critters are a hoot. Or should I say “heee hawww” because African penguins were formally called “jackass penguins” because of their loud braying like a donkey.
They make nests on the beach by digging a hole with their flippers. I have to assume the female does most of that because she appeared to be orchestrating the design work while the male waddled off in search of more nesting materials. Obviously not any easy chore with so much competition.
Not everyone gets to nest right on the beach. Scattered plastic jugs with numbers, so they’ll know the right address.
Listed as a vulnerable species in South Africa, the first pair of penguins made a nest at the Boulders in 1984 probably due to the return of their primary food source of pilchards, or sardines, that had previously been fished out. By 2002 the colony of adults reached about 3300. Fences were erected to keep the penguins out of neighborhood yards and raised boardwalks built to keep us out of the colony. In 1998, the Boulders colony became part of the Cape Peninsula National Park securing this sanctuary.
I had to laugh at the comical penguins, and people’s comments as they attributed human characteristics. Does that waddling walk remind you of anybody?
Cuteness overload. I wanted to take one home but didn’t want to pay for an extra seat and there’s no sardines in Arizona, other than canned.
This entire African adventure sadly came to an end. Always hard to leave a newly discovered place. Goodbye, I’ll be back.
Local entertainment on the streets.
I just love penguins, they are such characters, I could sit and watch them for hours. I am looking forward to your tour and joining you along the way. Take care Diane
We have the biggest African Penguin breeding colony in the world here in Algoa Bay in Port Elizabeth. Only thing is its on St Croix Island so the public can’t see it. We do have the SAMREC penguin resque fascility in Cape Recife where they care for injured birds which is open to the public.
I’m putting SAMREC on my list.
Oh wow, how did I not recognize Boulder Bay and the Jackass Penguin! Brilliant post, Gaelyn and I hope you’ll be back some day-hopefully when I’m in SA too. Hugs Jo
I’m working on a plan to return Feb & March. Any chance you’ll be in SA then? If I can get a tour group to pop for it I’d like to head up your way as well. We’ll see.
To see them in the wild must be amazing. I’m even mesmerized at the zoo!
I could spend many days there watching the penguin show.
I love these little guys…and gals.
You must be thinking hard about going to Africa again…
The penguins are super cute. How exciting to see them living naturally.
I’m working on a plan to return to South Africa in Feb & March. Will keep you posted.
I love this — had no idea about the penguins. The NP card was a great thing… just like the Golden Age passport for us — the best thing we ever bought!
The African NP card saved me a bundle. Yes, like ours. I’ll have to get my Wild Card renewed.
I love this post Gaelyn. The videos are excellent and it looks like it was a beautiful trip. I have this …..ahhhhhh….going on. I think we both are in the same mindset. Time for a trip, no?:) I’m really glad this area is now protected as a sanctuary. It’s nice to know that there are places like these that are being protected. Thanks for sharing…..looks incredible.
There is another penguin sanctuary off the coast near Port Elizabeth where visitors are not allowed. Yet you can visit the penguin rehab on the mainland. That’s on my list. I am more than ready to travel.
Gaelyn, these penguins are TOO CUTE! I want one too! (not really). When and why did they change their name? I suppose both are appropriate! I’m so glad you had so much fun.
Not sure when this trip was but wondered if you’re planning a similar itinerary. Definitely cuteness overload!
March 2010 I visited South Africa and plan to return after the first of the year.
This post just reminded me that I picked up a used Penguin Disney movie at a resale shop in New Mexico. Now, where did I put that movie? I rarely watch movies, but just love Penguins.
I’m with you on the movie and penguin preferences.
Boulders Beach looks like a beautiful place to watch those adorable African Penguins!
This is awesome! I love penguins! but, I have never seen them in the nature. Unfortunately, I don’t plan any trips to Africa in the nearest future… maybe I will see them in S.America.
Nice pics and videos!
Glad you enjoyed the penguins. I could watch them for hours and hope to on my upcoming journey back to Africa. Looks like you should add Africa to your long list of countries visited. You’d certainly enjoy the photographic moments. Good luck seeing the penguins in S America. And thanks for commenting on this blog.
looks like a marvelous time. i saw penguins in New Zealand, they were small. It was such a joy to watch them!
thanks for sharing these.
Lovely post about our penguins!