January 07, 2019
Black and white dress was the order of the day at the second March for the Penguins held at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Gansbaai. This family friendly event held on the 21st December attracted over 180 participants.
The event held two objectives – critical fundraising and awareness of the African Penguin and its endangered status. Trudi Malan, Conservation Manager of APSS, reminded everyone that the race we must win is that of beating 2026, the estimated year the African penguin could go extinct in the wild. The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) is a project of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and strives to turn around their possible extinction by returning penguins they have saved from injuries, disease or pollution, back to their natural habitat where they can continue to breed.
Although an untimed run, Louw Burger once again came in first in 20min15secs. Colourful kites, that included Nemo and a flying octopus, brightened the sky. Participants could have a caricature done by artist Marthinus van Tee. Health and Active spinathon attracted dedicated spinners and a few people who managed a short spin for the penguins.
The community supported the event in various ways and thanks are due to many. Special thanks are extended to all participants, and volunteers who gave of their time to make the morning a success. Thanks to the traffic department that helped keep everyone safe on the road sections. Special thanks to: Marine Dynamics; Dyer Island Cruises; CapeNature; Sterling Private Wealth; LaPentola Restaurant; Health & Active Gansbaai; Kia Hermanus; Great White House; Grootbos Private Nature Reserve; Xplorio; Gansbaai Spar; Gerhard van der Merwe; Catherine Wright; Kia Hermanus; Gansbaai Tourism; Fat Bike Tours; Stanford Hills; Tasting Room; Panthera Africa; Cape Cup; Gansbaai Coffee Company; Lomond Wine Estate; Ronnie Crafford; Crazylicious Cookies; Hair Tizelle; Coffee on the Rocks; Jukani / Birds of Eden / Monkeyland
The APSS is open daily from 9am to 4pm with a 3pm feeding time. Coffee and curio shop onsite and entrance is free, although donations are welcome.
