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    Stony Point Penguins

    Photos from South Africa

    There are [5] photos from South Africa

    This African Penguin sculpture at the entrance to the colony is dedicated to all oiled and injured penguins, including the many thousands that were oiled in 2000 when a large tanker sank close to another important breeding site. Continued success of the Stony Point colony, which is away from major shipping lanes, should ensure that this commemoration does not embody this species (the only one of 18 penguin species globally that occurs on and around the African continent) in its entirety one day. Views[237] This ramshackle fence at Stony Point seems to symbolize the often unclear interface between humans and wildlife, as the areas available for wildlife outside of human habitation diminish. The co-existence of penguins and humans at Stony Point is not without problems, but fortunately there are people who always search for solutions. Views[219] A sturdy boardwalk weaves its way through the penguin colony, welcoming tourists to experience a day in the life of the African Penguin up close and personal, without causing damage to the sensitive area. The protection of this colony is vital because Stony Point is one of a few successful breeding colonies for this species, which has experienced a 97% drop in global population numbers over the last 80 years. Views[180] Stony Point is fringed by the residential area of the coastal town of Betty’s Bay, creating an encouraging if incongruous impression of wildlife and humans co-existing in apparent harmony. Volunteers helped set up numerous artificial nest boxes around the site a decade ago, which has helped to substantially boost numbers at this colony, and the suburban backdrop probably restricts access of numerous terrestrial predators to the penguins. Views[151] An African Penguin basks contentedly in the fading sunlight at Stony Point, one of two mainland penguin breeding colonies in South Africa and a peaceful safe-haven for these endangered seabirds. The ruins of a pump house the penguin is standing on and the old slipway in the background remind us that such scenes were unimaginable almost a century ago, when Stony Point was a busy whaling station processing 300 whales annually for oil. Views[178]
     

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