This is a direct result of an article published in the Mossel Bay Advertiser on May 23 about the plight of the African Penguin. The article was read by the local news crew of the SABC and a news insert was broadcast on SABC2 news on 28 May. The radio station RSG also came on board, as did Algoa FM.
SAPREC had an overwhelming response from not only local residents and businesses, but also from all over South Africa and even abroad.
The board of directors of SAPREC and the volunteers at the centre would like to extend a sincere thank you to each and every one that has donated either money, time or much-needed consumables like oilskins, gloves and gumboots.
On Mandela Day, the Mossel Bay Rotary Club, as well as the Curro Interact group came to help at the centre to clean the pens and ponds, and many people have visited the centre to see how they can get involved.
Over the last three weeks, fifteen 'Blues' (African Penguins) were received at the centre for rehabilitation. They are called 'Blues' because as they lose their down, it is replaced by their first proper feathers, which have a blue colour.
One penguin was bitten badly, but with the help of Dr Frans de Graaff, he is recovering well. One was recovered from Victoria Bay - covered in oil. He has been cleaned and will soon be released. Unfortunately, two birds have died as they were too sick and weak. The rest were just tired and weak due to rough sea conditions, but after being fed and given a chance to rest, as well as some caring love by the SAPREC volunteers, they will all be released back into the ocean soon.
Collection boxes were made by a supporter in the USA and these will be placed at various locations in Mossel Bay. Be on the lookout for them!
Coffee mugs to raise funds for SAPREC are still available at Bayvet (next to Spur) in the Mossel Bay Mall, as well as at the consulting rooms of Dr Frans de Graaff, at R65 each.
People who would like to donate money can do so into the SAPREC account at Standard Bank; account number 082847665.
For more information, Carol Walton can be contacted on 082 364 3382.
Tracy, Carol and Theresa filming the insert for SABC3 News. Photo: Tersia Marais
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