Penguins Return to De Hoop for Another Breeding Season
Last year, African Penguins successfully bred at De Hoop Nature Reserve, and this year, a pair is once again nurturing two chicks at the new colony. These chicks were spotted at the end of June, perched just outside the nest that was occupied the previous year. African Penguins display remarkable fidelity to their colonies and often return to the same nest annually to reunite with their mates. By examining the distinctive spot patterns on the parents, we have verified that this is indeed the same pair that raised chicks last year.
Between 2003 and 2008, African Penguins had been breeding at the original colony until predation by caracal led to their abandonment of the site. In an effort led by BirdLife South Africa, CapeNature, and SANCCOB, concerted work has been put into reestablishing this colony. The area has been secured with a predator-proof fence serving as its landward boundary. To create the illusion of an established colony, decoys and a speaker broadcasting penguin calls have been deployed. Additionally, juvenile penguins are released there, imprinting on the area, and ensuring they return when they are ready to breed. The first penguins returned to the colony in June 2022, and in October of the same year, the first chicks were discovered, marking the first instance of penguin breeding at this location in 15 years.
The current chicks are in the process of shedding their downy feathers, indicating an estimated age of one-and-a-half to two months. It is likely they will fledge from late July to mid-August. Encouragingly, there are three other potential nesting sites where pairs of penguins have been observed sitting regularly, raising hopes that these two chicks will soon have more companions.
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the Isdell Family Foundation, which has made this project possible. Furthermore, we are fortunate to have a vehicle provided by Scottfin Finance to aid in our conservation efforts.
One of the other pairs of penguins that has been sitting in front of a potential nest. Photo by Christina Hagen.
The older of the two chicks stretches its wings outside the nest. Photo by Christina Hagen.
The younger chick has more down feathers, which will start to disappear as it grows and will be replaced by the characteristic blue-grey feathers of a juvenile. Photo by Christina Hagen.
Related News
2025 Conservation Review Highlights Biodiversity
CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.
The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.
State of Conservation 2025: Progress & Priorities
CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.
Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.
Haarwegskloof Declared Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Forge’s top five family-friendly hikes to do this festive season
It’s the festive season, baby! And for many families across South Africa, that means packing the boogie boards and hiking boots and heading out of town. CapeNature reserves are naturally a first choice for family vacations over the festive season, and we want to help you get the most out of your next trip.
Kai kisses a frog and makes a new friend
Western Cape Standing Committee visits Stony Point
Last month, the Western Cape Parliament Standing Committee on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning visited the Stony Point African Penguin colony. Presentations were given by CapeNature colleagues on the history of the site, penguin population trends, challenges and colony management, and socio-economic benefits of Stony Point and the associated On the Edge Restaurant respectively.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?