Fotoportmann » Archives » African Penguins: Boulders Beach, False Bay

The African Penguin is listed as vulnerable species in the Red Data Book. At the dawn of the 20th century its population was estimated at 1.5 million! Today, 10 % have survived the crazed harvesting of eggs, guano and loss of habitat. The Boulders colony is located between Simon’s Town and Cape Point in a residential area where they use to run into trouble invading gardens and lawns. It’s been since fenced off and included (but not connected) to Table Mountain National Park , the range that stretches the peninsula south from Cape Town. From 2 breeding pairs in 1982, they are now 3000 strong.

-African Penguins on the granite boulders of False Bay

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Though they enjoy a relative safe environment on the beach, their natural predators at sea include Sharks, Cape Fur Seals and Orcas. In 2000, the spill of the ore tanker MV Treasure wreak oiled some 40’000 birds.

-A Cape Fur Seal pup is dying on the beach in front of this young African Penguin

_RSA_FP_z0477 -These youngsters are pestering their mother for more food