Day 12 part 1- Free Penguins

We got an early star to Betty’s Bay Stony Point penguin colony.  It’s one of two African penguin colonies left on the continent, and is in a protected area. The global African penguin population has dropped precipitously in the 20th century losing 90% , and they are now an endangered species.  When we got to the gate, they told us that the first 100 people to Stony Point today get in free... and we were happy to get some free free time almost alone with these funny little fellows. 

The wind was really strong again today, so many penguins were bedded down out of the gusts like this sleepy one. 

But this one was ready for his closeup. 

And much like yesterday, you can’t find fault with the views in South Africa.  I think these penguins chose their colony site well. 

We only found one young penguin - they start out brown like this. 

A crowd started assembling outside the gate.  It turns out today was a “penguin release” day.  This organization looks after injured and orphaned birds, and when they are ready, releases them back to the sea.  

Here is a video of their first taste of freedom. 

https://youtu.be/AHyoanzZzZc

They liked sliding on the rock into the water. 

Except for this one who was still a bit nervous. 

We followed this (flock?  Someone help me with the collective noun!  Where’s ranger Dylan when I need him?) as they made their way out into the ocean. 

Kat, like Lyle Lovett, “goes for penguins”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4ZAaPYimfM