African penguin hops onto kayak for rescue by paddler off Cape coast

What began as a routine ocean outing turned into an extraordinary wildlife rescue after a young African penguin climbed onto a kayak and into the arms of a paddler off the Cape coast.

The rescue was shared in a social media post by Kirshia Govender of the International Ocean Institute, who described how the penguin surfaced unexpectedly and began circling their kayaks.

Govender said she immediately sensed something was wrong due to the bird’s unusual behaviour. As it moved closer, the penguin allowed itself to be cradled before hopping onto her kayak and into her arms.

“Super vocal, it expressed a sense of relief, almost thanking me for helping it,” she wrote.

Govender noticed the penguin was injured on its underside and appeared to be in distress. The group decided to paddle back to shore immediately to get the bird help from SANCCOB.

The 30-minute journey back to shore saw the penguin resting calmly on Govender’s lap and shoulder, chirping back as she spoke to it. Despite her experience working with African penguins, she said the encounter felt different.

“Having worked with African penguins, I’m familiar with their sharp beaks and nasty pecks, but this penguin felt genuinely safe, and I felt safe keeping it close,” she said, adding that the bird even began preening itself and attempted to preen her.

Once ashore, SANCCOB responded quickly and transferred the penguin to its rehabilitation facility for immediate care.

SANCCOB is known for rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing seabirds along South Africa’s coastline, with a strong focus on the African penguin, which is listed as critically endangered. The organisation plays a vital role in caring for injured and displaced birds while advancing conservation, research and public awareness efforts.

Govender described the rescue as a moment she will never forget.

“An incredible encounter. I’m honoured this penguin chose us to assist and it’s an experience I’ll treasure for life,” she said.

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Cape Argus