Penguin release this weekend for these five rehabilitated birds
Join us this Saturday, 12th October, for a special penguin release at Lookout Beach, Plettenberg Bay! Be there at 08:30 for a 09:00 am release to watch as Maya, Café au Lait, Flipper, Plopper, and Peaks make their way back into the ocean after their incredible journey of rescue and rehabilitation.
Your support of the penguin release makes all the difference! If you can, please consider making a donation to help continue rescuing and rehabilitating these amazing birds. Banking details are on the event poster—use “Penguin” as your reference for EFTs. Every little bit helps and goes directly to their care.
Maya (Buffalo Bay)
Maya came to Tenikwa in July 2023, weighing only 1.1kg and suffering from bumblefoot and worms. Weak and unable to stand, he quickly stole our hearts. After 8 days of care, he was introduced to other penguins and thrived. Released in November 2023, Maya was found again in February 2024, having struggled with moulting at sea. After some recovery, he’s now 2.98kg and ready for another chance in the wild.
Café au Lait (Tsitsikamma)
Found in December 2023, Café was in mid-moult and underweight at just 2.2kg. Dehydrated and needing time to finish moulting, he was soon thriving in the main pool with other penguins. Now weighing 3.26kg, Café is ready for release, having bonded with Maya during his time at Tenikwa.
Flipper (Storms River)
Flipper, a young penguin found in January 2024, arrived with a broken flipper and weighed only 1.4kg. After weeks of rehab and bandage changes, her flipper healed, and she joyfully rejoined the other penguins in the pool. Now 2.62kg, Flipper is eager to return to the sea and show off her strength.
Plopper (Buffalo Bay)
Plopper was found in March 2024, weak and unable to stand due to anemia from Babesia. Although grumpy from the start, he steadily recovered and is now a healthy 2.9kg. Despite his cranky nature, Plopper is ready for release with his fellow penguins.
Peaks (Tsitsikamma)
Peaks was rescued in May 2024 by visitors from Cape Town and arrived at Tenikwa weighing just 1.75kg. After some rest, he quickly improved and bonded with Flipper. Now a healthy 2.96kg, Peaks is ready to make his way back to the ocean.
These penguins have come a long way, and we’re all so proud to see them back into the wild this Saturday!
This release is made possible with thanks to Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre, Robberg Veterinary Clinic, Plett Marine Animal Stranding Network, Birdlife Plettenberg Bay, Plettenberg Bay Tourism, Bitou Municipality, and Nature’s Valley Trust.
