Young Penguin Found Resting on KZN Beach
When he arrived at uShaka Sea World, the animal care staff immediately set out to rehydrate and support what was clearly a very compromised 3 or 4 month old penguin. They were delighted when the next morning he showed signs of being hungry and was fed tiny fillets loaded with vitamins and antibiotics. The first two days after arrival saw him gain 200gms and over the next fourteen days his weight increased from 1.8Kgs to a hefty 3 Kgs – this is no wonder as he has a ferocious appetite and eats around 9 pilchards a day.
The staff decided to call him Beast as they were determined to give him a strong name as he showed tremendous strength and determination in his journey back to health. He is still in the hospital facility and will remain there until fully recovered and able to swim, dive and display normal agility in the water.
Beast has had numerous blood tests which are now all clear and besides the injuries on his feet which are still being treated he is well on his way to a full recovery and will soon be introduced to the penguins at SANCCOB.
UPDATE: Yesterday (27th June 2011), Beast flew to SANCCOB (Cape) where he will spend some time with the other penguins before being released.
Penguins and Sub-Antarctic fur seals do sometimes strand on KZN beaches during our winter months, which coincide with the annual sardine run. Sometimes these animals strand after severe weather in the Cape and leave the ocean in search of a comfortable place to rest before they head home. The Sub-Antarctic seals would have travelled up to 5000kms before reaching the KZN coastline and the African Penguins would have travelled around 1 800kms.
If you do come across a seal on one of KZN's beaches this winter, please contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife 24Hr Hotline and they will respond. Do not attempt to touch, feed or move these tired visitors but rather keep your distance and call for help. KZN Wildife Hotline number is 083 380 6298. If you find a penguin please contact uShaka Sea World on 031 – 328 8222(o/h) or 031 – 3288060 (a/h).
Click here to download the Stranded Animal Pamphlet
