A quiet week for our volunteers. Two penguin reports came in from the Poort tidal pool at the Point: the first did not survive, but the second had a happier ending after Smartie Maruschka’s persistence over three days.
Penguin, Poort Tidal Pool
📍 Location: Poort Tidal Pool, the Point 📅 Date: Friday 25 September 👤 Responders: Maruschka and son; Carol (Saprec)
- A penguin was reported swimming in the Poort tidal pool at the Point. Although marine birds are rescued and cared for by Saprec, our volunteers will respond if needed.
- Smartie Maruschka and her son (a young passionate Smartie in the making) found a very weak bird in the pool. Carol from Saprec also responded, but sadly the penguin died just after being taken out of the water.
🕯️ Status: Did not survive, despite a prompt response.
Second Penguin Rescued, Poort Tidal Pool
📍 Location: Poort Tidal Pool, the Point 📅 Date: Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 September 👤 Responder: Maruschka
- Another penguin was spotted in the same area the following afternoon. Maruschka once again responded, but the bird was sitting in an inaccessible area, and trying to reach it would have been dangerous.
- By late afternoon they abandoned efforts and decided to try again the next morning.
- Third time lucky for Maruschka: this afternoon the penguin was spotted by members of the public, and she was able to rescue it! It will be cared for by Carol at Saprec until ready for release.
- Every SMART volunteer who rescues a penguin knows how special they are, almost as charming as subbies!
🐧 Status: Successfully rescued on the third attempt. In Saprec’s care pending release.
Till next week, be happy and kind. 🐾