BOSTON, MASS. – The picturesque march of the African penguin is more than just a delightful spectacle. It’s a glimpse into the story of a species on the brink of extinction. This year, the New England Aquarium has deepened its commitment to this story by joining an international effort aimed at protecting and restoring the endangered wild African penguin populations.
On October 14, 2023, the world observed African Penguin Awareness Day. This wasn’t just any day but a clarion call for organizations and individuals alike to turn their attention to the alarming plight of these birds. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which founded the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program in 2015, spearheaded efforts to protect these precious creatures. The New England Aquarium, accredited by AZA, recently amplified its voice in this cause by becoming a SAFE African Penguin program partner.
The urgency for this initiative couldn’t be clearer: with the wild populations of African penguins plummeting, some scientists warn that they might become functionally extinct in their native southwestern South Africa by 2035. Factors like overfishing, habitat degradation, and oil spills are the grim reapers looming large over these birds.
So, why should we care?
African penguins are an integral part of the marine ecosystem. Their decline signals an imbalance that affects many other species and, by extension, humans. When we save the penguins, we’re not just saving a species – we’re preserving the intricate web of life that ties us all together.
The New England Aquarium has always been at the forefront of such conservation initiatives. Boasting a unique colony of 39 African penguins – more than half of which exceed the average lifespan of their counterparts in the wild – the Aquarium has been a hope spotlight for these birds. Kristen McMahon, the Aquarium’s Curator of Pinnipeds and Penguins, underscores this commitment. “With the current wild populations of African penguins rapidly declining, we are committed to conservation attempts for these incredible birds and feel honoured to join the SAFE program,” she remarked.
Following this vision, the Aquarium will leverage its engaging penguin habitat for educational endeavours, focusing on breeding programs and active field conservation work. Collaborations with organizations like the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) further amplify these efforts.
Gayle Sirpenski, the SAFE African Penguin Secretary and Animal Management Specialist at Mystic Aquarium, lauds this collaboration. “New England Aquarium’s dedication to African penguin conservation is taking an exciting new direction by becoming a SAFE African Penguin Program Partner. Their contribution to this cause is invaluable,” she said.
In an age where the threats to biodiversity are escalating, the proactive measures of institutions like the New England Aquarium are a silver lining. Remember, every ripple creates a wave. For those yearning to delve deeper into this critical mission, additional information is available at the AZA SAFE African Penguin program.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM:
The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 50 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media