African Penguins and Rare Sea Birds on Dyer Island (00000557)

Description: The African Penguins, also known as Spheniscus demersus, breed on Dyer Island, an island six sea miles off the coast of Gansbaai in South Africa. The ruins of a former guano station are still visible on the island, serving as a reminder of the past. Penguins were hunted and killed for their oil until this brutal practice was finally halted in 1919. The population of African Penguins in South Africa declined by over 50% between 1956 and 1978, largely due to overfishing in their feeding grounds. Today, Dyer Island and its fauna and flora are fully protected, with only a conservationist and occasionally a biologist living on the island. When a group of penguins returns from their hunting grounds far out at sea, they must navigate the area of the Great White Sharks. Another threat awaits them just off the island: fur seals are lurking in the Kelb belt. To safely make the final meters to the island, they suddenly sprint off. They chase along, halfway under water and halfway above water. In the end, only seething water is visible. They find peace and security only on the island - until next time.

Location: Western Cape, Dyer Island, South Africa

Date of Capture: 12.05.2000