"I have lost count of how many times I encounter people being ever so surprised that there are penguins around Mossel Bay, let alone the existence of our fully operational rehabilitation centre," says Carol Walton from SAPREC. The centre was built in 2005, when a well-doer offered Carol an unused premises in Mossdustria. Prior to this, Carol took care of penguins in need in her garage at home, a situation which left a lot to be desired.
At the rehabilitation centre, Carol and her right hand, Piet October can care for up to 60 penguins during an environmental crisis such as an oil spill. Some of the penguins currently in the centre's care are permanent residents due to their injuries, but the primary aim remains to rehabilitate and release. Penguins often need medication when brought in. Carol administers most herself, but in certain cases specialized and costly veterinary treatment is needed. The penguins are fed twice daily and need to receive the same quality pilchards they would catch in the wild, in order to regain their healthy condition before being released.
"We really want to join the effort in creating awareness around the African penguin as an endangered species and we also want to support the selfless work Carol is doing," says Rhenia Niemand, chair person of the St Blaize Conservancy.
"The only other fully equipped rehabilitation centres in South Africa are situated in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, therefore our local centre needs all the support the community can offer."
Carol keenly gives very important pointers to anyone coming across a penguin washed up on the beach.
1. Never put a washed up penguin back in the sea - there is a reason why it is on the beach and needs medical attention.
2. If possible, stay with the penguin until Carol or someone from the rehabilitation centre can fetch it. Do not let it wander off, but try to cover it with a towel in order to keep it warm and confined. Alternately, take the penguin home, from where it can be collected and cared for at the rehabilitation centre.
3. Be especially on the lookout for washed up penguins during June and July as well as November and December when young penguins that are not strong swimmers get washed up.
"I am very close to the penguins and I even miss them when I go home at night," says caretaker Piet October. "They are very intelligent birds."
For more information about the SAPREC Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, the African penguin or the awareness campaign in April, contact Carol Walton on 082 364 3382.
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Rhenia Niemand (left) from the St Blaize Conservancy with Carol Walton and Piet October who run the rehabilitation centre.
