Ep 18. Saving African Penguins

In Ocean Mysteries season 3 episode 18, titled "Saving African Penguins," viewers are taken on a journey to the southern coast of Africa, where they learn about the plight of the African penguin population. African penguins are an endangered species and are facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, oil spills, and predators. However, there are dedicated researchers and conservationists who are working tirelessly to protect these unique birds.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Dyan deNapoli, also known as The Penguin Lady, who has been working with penguins for over 20 years. She is currently working with an organization called SANCCOB, which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of African penguins. SANCCOB has been at the forefront of penguin conservation efforts in South Africa for several decades.

Next, viewers are taken to Stony Point, a penguin colony located near Cape Town. This colony is one of only a few left in South Africa, and it is an important breeding ground for African penguins. The colony is also home to a number of other sea birds, including cormorants and gulls. However, the colony is facing a number of threats, including habitat loss and predation by mammals such as mongoose and genets.

The episode then focuses on the work being done by SANCCOB to rescue and rehabilitate injured penguins. Viewers are shown the rehabilitation center, where sick or injured penguins are brought for treatment. Here, the penguins are given food and supportive care until they are able to be released back into the wild. The staff at SANCCOB use a variety of techniques to ensure that the penguins are healthy and strong before they are released, including feeding them a diet of fish and giving them regular exercise.

Throughout the episode, viewers also learn about the importance of research in understanding the threats facing African penguins. Researchers use a variety of techniques to study these birds, including tagging them with GPS devices and tracking their movements. By studying the behavior of African penguins, researchers hope to better understand their needs and develop more effective conservation strategies.

One of the main threats facing African penguins is oil spills, which can have devastating effects on the population. The episode highlights the work being done by researchers and conservation organizations to prevent and respond to oil spills. In particular, viewers are shown the work being done by SANCCOB to clean and rehabilitate oiled birds.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are shown the release of several rehabilitated African penguins back into the wild. This is a moving moment, as viewers see the penguins waddling down the beach and diving into the ocean, hopefully to live long and healthy lives.

Overall, "Saving African Penguins" is a fascinating and inspiring episode that highlights the important work being done to protect these unique and endangered birds. Viewers will learn about the challenges facing African penguins, as well as the dedicated scientists and conservationists who are working to ensure their survival. It is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet, and of the importance of preserving it for future generations.