African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary: First 5km Fun Run!

African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary: First 5km Fun Run!

December 21, 2017 Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Ready, set, go! And the walkers and runners, dogs too, were off on the first 5km fun walk/run in aid of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS)

Based in Gansbaai, the APSS is a critical seabird rehabilitation facility with a special focus on the endangered African penguin. APSS is a project of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust that has since 2006 been active in penguin conservation measures including a penguin nest project that replaces their natural burrows of guano. A history of guano removal for agricultural fertiliser has left the penguins exposed to the elements and predators and the nest or penguin ‘homes’ are critical to their breeding success.

This family friendly event held on the 21^st December attracted just over a hundred participants. Although an untimed run, the first four men and women were recognised as was the first dog, Layla. Louw Burger was the first man to arrive with a time of 20min15. The next three were all juniors: 2^nd Daniel Erasmus, 3^rd Hanro Coetzee, 4^th DeWet Nel. First lady, also a junior, was Suzaan van Vuuren, 2^nd Jansie Smith, 3^rd Talitha van Vuuren, 4^th Nina Martin. Prizes included eco trips with Dyer Island Cruises and meals at the Great White House and some penguin scarves for the children. The event was kindly covered by Worcester radio bring a festive spirit to the morning.

The event held two objectives – critical fundraising and awareness of the African Penguin and its endangered status. Brenda du Toit, Public Relations, highlighted the fact that the penguins belong to all the community and that we can all pl