The Northern Rockhopper penguin that has been seen along the beach at Soetwater Reserve, Cape Town has drawn attention from all around the country. Reports and pictures of the bird indicate that it is in full moult, which generally is a physiologically stressful period for penguins. During the moulting period penguins are not waterproof but they can be seen to go for quick swims in the shallow water to cool down or have a drink of water. Penguins are also generally more susceptible to disease and stress as their immune systems are compromised during the moulting period, which generally lasts about three weeks.

The festive period has been another busy one for SANCCOB as the seabird rehabilitation centre in Table View admitted over 350 abandoned African penguin chicks since 1 November 2012. The bulk of the 6-8 week old chicks came from the Stony Point colony in Betty’s Bay, a thriving penguin colony and one of the few land-based colonies in southern Africa. Numerous penguin chicks historically become abandoned at the end of the breeding season just before the parents start their annual moulting cycle.