African penguins at gdańsk zoo: New hope in critical fight
Four new individuals have settled in the African Penguin enclosure at Gdańsk Zoo. African Penguins are a critically endangered species threatened with extinction, and their numbers in the wild are drastically decreasing due to climate change.
Gdańsk Zoo announced that four young African Penguins have been born. Currently, they remain in their nesting shelters, but they are increasingly peering outside, sticking their beaks out and observing their surroundings. The chicks, covered in thick, fluffy down, are distinctly different from their adult parents, who are characterised by classic black and white colouring.
Our group consists of over 80 individuals. Last year, 13 chicks hatched. This year, we have 4, and for the moment, we are satisfied. All the nesting boxes were occupied, but this does not always guarantee successful breeding, said Monika Dmochowska, head of the bird section, in an interview with RMF24.
African Penguins threatened with extinction
Currently, these animals face a serious crisis, and their situation worldwide is causing great concern. African Penguins have been listed as critically endangered, which means that their future in the wild is seriously at risk.
In recent decades, the number of breeding pairs in nature has dramatically decreased, falling from about 50,000 to just 10,000. If more effective conservation actions are not taken, there is a real risk that African Penguins may completely disappear from their wild habitats, remaining only in zoos and breeding centres.
When we last met here, we said this species was endangered. Now it is critically endangered. The population is dropping very quickly; there are only 10,000 pairs left in the natural environment. Until recently, there were 50,000, said Paweł Ciesielski from Gdańsk Zoo in an interview with RMF24.
The Gdańsk Zoo actively supports initiatives for the protection of African Penguins, engaging in various actions aimed at saving these remarkable birds. One such undertaking is organising fundraising events, which contribute to organisations working to protect penguins in their natural environment.
