Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

PAAZAB’s (and AKAA’s) Dave Morgan and representatives from Johannesburg, the NZG, Tenikwa, Two Oceans Aquarium, Sea World, SANNCOB, Bay World and Mike Bester all met at uShaka Sea World to discuss the role of our captive facilities with regard to the African Penguin.  The objective of the meeting was to reach come consensus on how we as the captive industry can assist with the plight of these now endangered species.  The day was productive, and we have, since the meeting put together a Memorandum of Participation for facilities that wish to assist with housing a national assurance population of the African Penguin.  This will involve effective management of the stud book, and working together to ensure that our national population of captive birds is maximized in the goal.  The dream is that we can ultimately do effective chick bolstering projects and work hand in hand with scientists to work out effective ways of ensuring that the ocean is a place where they can thrive once more.  Did you know, that since 1956, the population of wild African penguins has declined by an effective 90 penguins per week.  The findings for this meeting will be communicated more widely to authorities at the biodiversity workshop that is planned for October this year.