Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town
The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town © Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town
It all started in 1983 when a pair of African Jackass penguins was noticed on Foxy beach. Foxy Beach is a part of Boulders Beach near Simon's Town in Cape Town, South Africa. Two years later the couple chose the same beach to lay their eggs on and since then the Boulders Beach penguin colony has grown, increasing at an average rate of 60% a year which, was mostly due to migration from Dyer Island. Today there are an estimated 30 000 breeding pairs of Jackass penguins in Boulders Beach.
The Boulders Beach locals are very proud of the penguin colony, but having these feathered friends takes patience. Those closest the beach have their gardens frequently invaded and their plants uprooted by penguin couples seeking a suitable spot to lay their eggs.
The Jackass penguin (named because of its donkey-like braying) is not only noisy but very messy, especially during molting season. Although the penguins are happy to be in close proximity to people it is best to keep your distance as they do have a very nasty bite.
Boulder Beach gets its name from the huge granite boulders (which are approximately 540 million years old) that create small sheltered bays on the beach. It is a short and scenic 20 minute drive from the Cape Town city centre.
Foxy Beach is exclusively for the penguins, although it does have a boardwalk from which to view their antics. On either side of Foxy Beach are the public beaches, which the penguins do venture on and one of which is the famous Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach has beautiful blue water and white sand - perfect for a day of relaxing in the warm African sun and bathing in the water amongst the penguins.
10 interesting facts about the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Cape Town:
1. African Penguins: Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins, also known as jackass penguins due to their distinctive braying call that sounds like a donkey.
2. Endangered Species: African penguins are listed as endangered, with their population having declined dramatically due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and oil spills.
3. Established Colony: The penguin colony at Boulders Beach was established in 1982 with just two breeding pairs. The population has since grown to over 2,000 penguins.
4. Unique Habitat: Boulders Beach offers a unique habitat for the penguins, with its sheltered inlets, sandy shores, and large granite boulders providing protection from predators and harsh weather.
5. Boardwalk Viewing: Visitors can observe the penguins up close from a series of boardwalks that wind through the colony, minimizing human impact on their natural habitat.
6. Breeding Season: The penguins breed throughout the year, with peak breeding occurring in February and March. They lay two eggs in burrows or under bushes, which both parents incubate.
7. Feeding Habits: African penguins primarily feed on small fish such as sardines and anchovies, which they catch by diving to depths of up to 130 meters (426 feet).
8. Conservation Efforts: Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, and conservation efforts include habitat protection, pollution control, and monitoring of the penguin population.
9. Adaptations: African penguins are well adapted to their environment, with a layer of insulating fat and waterproof feathers to keep them warm in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Tourist Attraction: Boulders Beach is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to see the charming penguins in their natural habitat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
These facts highlight the unique and important aspects of the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, making it a significant site for both conservation and tourism.
Verblyf Naby Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town
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