African Penguin Moult and Condition Watch

During the moulting season, African Penguins remain close to the shoreline as they are unable to go out to sea to hunt until their new, waterproof feathers have fully grown. During this time, penguins rely entirely on the fat reserves they built up before moulting, which means their physical condition may gradually decline.

If you do see an African Penguin during the moulting period, please take a photograph and upload it as part of this citizen science project. A body condition chart has been provided to help you assess the penguin’s condition. If you are concerned that a bird may be in need of assistance, you can notify the SANCCOB team for further assessment.

The information collected through this project helps SANCCOB monitor whether penguins are entering the moulting period in good condition and whether they are likely to have sufficient energy reserves to sustain them until the moult is complete. Your observations play an important role in supporting the conservation and welfare of this Critically Endangered species.