They say love is forever, but for African Penguins, “mating for life” might soon be a thing of the past, both romantically and literally. African Penguins are famous for their lifelong bonds, but their love stories are at risk. With fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild, these charismatic seabirds face extinction within a decade. This Valentine’s Day, conservationists are urging action to protect their future.
Feature image: African Penguin with concrete decoy. By Christina Hagen
Concrete Love: A New Conservation Strategy
To help penguins find safer breeding grounds, researchers are using an unexpected tool—penguin decoys. These skillfully crafted concrete replicas, combined with recorded calls, are encouraging penguins to settle in protected areas with abundant food. At De Hoop Nature Reserve, this method has already led to wild African Penguins breeding in a predator-free zone, offering a glimmer of hope.
“This project proves that with the right support, we can help African Penguins recover,” says Christina Hagen, Pamela Isdell Fellow of Penguin Conservation at BirdLife South Africa. “Creating safe breeding spaces is a crucial step toward securing their future.” Hagen continues, “While the process takes time and comes with challenges, the fact that wild African Penguins have already started breeding here is an incredibly positive sign. This project is a proof of concept that could inform future conservation efforts in other regions where penguins are struggling due to shifting fish stocks.”
Not always a fairytale
While penguins have long been celebrated as symbols of lifelong devotion, a recent study suggests that their romantic lives are more complex than we once thought. Just like humans, penguins can “divorce” after tough breeding seasons, seeking new partners in hopes of better success next time around. But much like in human relationships, breaking up comes with its challenges; new couples often struggle with nest-building, chick-rearing, and finding food, leading to lower reproductive success.
While penguins are known for their devotion, their love lives are under strain. Climate change and commercial overfishing have severely depleted their primary food sources—sardines and anchovies—making survival increasingly difficult. Conservationists are calling for immediate action to establish no-take zones around key penguin colonies, ensuring they have enough food to thrive.
Last week, BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB, represented by the Biodiversity Law Centre, filed legal arguments in a landmark case to push for stronger protections. The case, set to be heard in March 2025, could set a precedent for the government’s responsibility in preventing species extinction.
How You Can Help
This Valentine’s Day, conservationists are inviting the public to be part of the solution. SANCCOB is offering a 2-for-1 penguin adoption special—an opportunity to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts while symbolizing love and commitment. By adopting a penguin, supporters contribute directly to rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
“With penguins struggling to survive, their love stories could soon become history,” says Joanna Coumbe, Director of Communications at Blue Marine Foundation. “Let’s not just celebrate love—let’s protect it.”
Join the movement to save African Penguins. Sign the petition, adopt a penguin, and help ensure that future generations can witness these incredible birds in the wild.
