Marine Dynamics was honoured to have two special visitors during the Easter weekend, Dr Patty McGill and her husband Dr Lynn Kramer.
Dr McGill is passionate about saving the African Penguins from extinction in the wild.
Throughout her career, she has worked with penguins at several different zoos across the United States and conducted research internationally. Her work with the National Aviary connects, supports, and informs educational efforts with other zoos and aquariums across the United States and with partners, such as the African Penguin and Seabird Center.
The National Aviary is a leader for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program for African Penguins.
With her vast knowledge of animals and conservation, Dr. McGill is an integral part of the SAFE program.
Her husband, Dr Kramer, is a retired veterinarian.
It was fantastic for the Marine Dynamics team to spend time with these two knowledgeable scientist- and conservationists. We all learned something during their 3 day stay!
And don’t think that these two are scared of the cold waters of Gansbaai! They both enjoyed a lovely shark-cage diving experience as well as a Marine Big 5 Tour!
On Saturday 8 April, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Wilfred Chivell, took Patty and Lynn on his boat, Calypso, to release 3 young penguins close to Dyer Island.
Although Patty has dedicated her life to saving penguins, she has never had the privilege to release penguins back into the ocean! This was a highlight for her, her husband and the Marine Dynamics crew (and for the 3 African Penguins as well!).
Thank you Patty, AZA as well as SAFE for your help and support for saving our African Penguins from extinction. And thank you for making time to visit us Patty and Lynn. We hope to see you soon!
To read more about the projects AZA and SAFE does, click on the link below:
www.aza.org
