International African Penguin Awareness Day

International African Penguin Awareness Day is observed every year on the second Saturday in October. While most people associate penguins with cold climates, African penguins are a unique species that thrive in warmer regions along the southern coast of Africa.

History

International African Penguin Awareness Day raises attention for a species whose population has plummeted over the past century. Once numbering in the millions, today there are only about 60,000 African penguins left in the wild, with scientists warning they could be extinct within the next 70 years.

The greatest threat to African penguins is a shortage of food. They rely on small fish like anchovies and sardines, but these have become scarce due to commercial fishing and disruptions caused by climate change. Adult penguins are forced to travel farther from their nests for food, leaving their chicks unprotected. Additional dangers include habitat loss, pollution, disease, predators, and human activity.

Interesting Facts

• In the early 1800s, the African penguin population was estimated at 4 million.
• By 1910, numbers had fallen to 1.5 million.
• By the end of the 20th century, only 10% of the 1910 population remained.
• In 2010, there were about 55,000 African penguins left.

How to Take Part

Help save African penguins by learning more about environmental issues and taking action—reduce your plastic use and recycle responsibly. When purchasing seafood, choose options from sustainable sources, ideally those on the SASSI list. Spread awareness about the challenges facing African penguins and encourage others to get involved. Every small action can make a difference for the future of this remarkable species.

When is International African Penguin Awareness Day in 2025?

International African Penguin Awareness Day is observed on the second Saturday of October each year.

Observations