On an exciting educational outing, 30 DEEP Blue Ambassadors had the opportunity to visit Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay – one of only two mainland colonies of the endangered African Penguin in South Africa. This visit was not only a chance to see these charismatic seabirds up close on land, but also an opportunity for the ambassadors to build on the knowledge they gained during their recent Marine Big 5 lesson.
The learners were thrilled to spot African Penguins in their natural habitat and observe their unique behaviours – from nesting and preening to socialising on the rocky shoreline. Seeing the species they had studied come to life right before their eyes deepened their understanding of the crucial role these birds play in our marine ecosystem, and why their conservation is so important.
A special highlight of the day was an informative session led by dedicated Vathiswa Bafo that works for WWF South Africa who shared valuable insights about the Stony Point colony, the African Penguins, and the variety of bird species found in the area. Their passion and knowledge brought the lesson to life, helping the ambassadors connect classroom learning with real-world conservation.
This immersive field experience is a vital part of the DEEP programme’s mission to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. By linking theory with hands-on learning, we hope to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and encourage continued commitment to protecting South Africa’s marine life.
👏 A heartfelt thank you to Vathiswa Bafo for sharing their expertise, and to everyone who made this educational experience possible for our DEEP Blue Ambassadors. Days like these remind us that knowledge paired with experience is a powerful tool for conservation.
