On Wednesday, December 4th, the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, powered by Marine Dynamics, undertook an extraordinary six-hour, 180-kilometer expedition to release a Rockhopper penguin back into the Agulhas Current.
Earlier this year, the penguin had stranded on our shores, underweight and bearing a few wounds. It was admitted to the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) for treatment, rest, and recovery. After weeks of dedicated care, the Rockhopper, healed completely, underwent a successful molt, and emerged with a pristine set of feathers. Following comprehensive health checks by APSS veterinarian Dr. Annamarie Robberts, Rocky was cleared for release and ready to return to the vast ocean.
The Agulhas Current, flowing south-westward along South Africa’s east and south coasts, acts as a natural conveyor belt. The warm fast flowing waters offered Rocky a swift and smooth path on the long journey home.
A Rare Encounter with Pelagic Birds
The journey wasn’t just about releasing Rocky—it also provided a rare opportunity to observe some of the ocean’s most remarkable pelagic bird species up close.
Here’s what graced our birdwatc