Cape Town has two brand-new celebrities – and they’re warming hearts with every waddle. Meet Ember and Echo, the latest additions to the Two Oceans Aquarium’s African penguin colony. Since hatching (fluffy, grey and squeaking), these little chicks have quickly become fan favourites.
The excitement began when the Aquarium’s Penguin Keepers spotted two freshly laid eggs on the African penguin beach. Ember was the first to hatch, closely followed by Echo. The Aquarium staff were delighted with the new arrivals, who quickly developed spunky personalities under the watchful eyes of their parents.
The chicks’ names were chosen with purpose: Ember, like a small flame with the potential to grow, and Echo, symbolising a lasting impact that resonates into the future. These chicks represent a glimmer of desperately needed hope for their species.
African penguins once thrived in the millions along the South African and Namibian coastlines. Today, just 8 750 breeding pairs remain in the wild. In 2024, the species was ‘uplisted’ to Critically Endangered status by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In fact, scientists warn that they may be functionally extinct by 2035 if drastic action isn’t taken.
That’s why Ember and Echo are so important – they are ambassadors for the future of African penguins! Their presence helps raise awareness and encourage action among visitors to the Aquarium, as well as contributes valuable data to global research efforts aimed at saving the species.
Aquarium visitors can spot the chicks waddling about on the Northern rockhopper penguin beach. This placement is part of a careful habituation programme by the Penguin Keepers.
As the rockhopper penguins are more accustomed to human interaction, Ember and Echo are learning from them. This early socialisation helps the chicks grow comfortable with people, easing stress during feeding and health checks.
This is an unmissable (and often amusing) opportunity to witness Ember and Echo growing into the flippers – they recently had their first-ever swim and took a while to figure out how the grown-up penguins do it!
These endearing antics are a small part of the task that rests on Ember and Echo’s shoulders. They are the voice of a profound message: African penguins need our help. A visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium is a way to connect to the ocean’s wonders and a doorway to learning how to protect the future of animals like the African penguin.
And who knows? Ember and Echo might just waddle away with your heart!
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Picture: Supplied
