“[H]e really didn’t look good …”
Recently, a jogger on a beach in Brenton-on-Sea, South Africa, noticed an African penguin lying facedown in the sand. At first, it was unclear what had happened, but as the jogger got closer, they realized the bird was barely moving.
The penguin clearly needed help, so the jogger contacted wildlife rescuers right away.
Dr. Catherine Hauw, a veterinarian and volunteer wildlife rescuer, arrived as quickly as she could. When she first saw the penguin, she was worried. He looked extremely weak and unwell, and she feared his condition might be serious.
Using gloves and a towel to protect both herself and the bird, Hauw carefully placed the penguin into a box. As she handled him, the penguin suddenly showed a small burst of energy. That gave her hope that he still had the strength to recover.
Hauw transported him to a nearby veterinary clinic, where he received a full examination. Thankfully, vets found that he did not have any long-term illness. Instead, he had a treatable wound on his abdomen, likely caused by a seal bite.
The emergency team gave the penguin fluids and iron to help restore his strength. Once he was stable, he was moved to a specialist, who continued treating him with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.
When the penguin began feeling stronger, he was transferred to Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre, a local sanctuary that cares for injured wildlife. There, his caretakers continued helping him recover day by day.
His rescue is especially important because African penguins are critically endangered. Their population has dropped sharply due to threats such as overfishing, climate change and habitat loss. With so few breeding pairs left in the wild, every rescued penguin matters.
The rehabilitation center will keep caring for him until he is healthy enough to return to the ocean. When he is ready, he will be released with a group of other rescued penguins, giving him the best chance to survive and thrive back in his natural home.