We’ve done it with sharks in the Isle of Man, so why not have some fun tracking some penguins a bit more locally?
Dramatically billed (beaked?) as:
FIVE PENGUINS. SEVEN DAYS. ONE RACE AGAINST TIME.
it’s a publicity thing to highlight the plight of the African Penguin:
Since the turn of the 20th century we have lost 99% of the entire African Penguin population.
From 7 to 13 October we celebrate the perilous journey undertaken by five African Penguins.
Fitted with satellite tracking devices, we will follow the birds as they take to the high seas in a race to bulk up ahead of their fast approaching moulting season, where they will lose over half of their body weight.The catch? The fish they depend on are becoming increasingly scarce. This means they must swim extreme distances to feed, all the while avoiding the impolite intentions of the Cape fur seal and unfair competition with fishing vessels. By determining how far the birds must forage to find food, these areas can be protected and so restore balance to the ecosystem as a whole.
One day in, and Siren “The Explorer” has gone furthest with 196.25km. Hank “The Underbird” is living up to his reputation, having covered “just” 122.55km.
It’s fun, it’s educational, it’s kinda quirky. Go see and share it on twitter: #ThePenguinRun