Cape Town Says its Measures to Protect Penguins Are Working

CAPE TOWN – Measures introduced earlier this year to protect the endangered penguins in Simonstown after a spate of killings have been effective so far, according to the city of Cape Town.

The city said in a statement on Tuesday that at least 40 penguins were killed in 2015 before it introduced measures to protect them, and the most likely predator was one or more dogs. In August, the city cracked down and forbade dogs in the area, and in October dogs were allowed on Burghers Walk again, but they had to be on leashes.

The city also increased the number of monitors in the tourist-heavy area. The monitors will be there until 31 January, when their continued presence in the penguin colony will be re-evaluated.

“We are pleased with the effectiveness of the penguin monitors who are ensuring that the penguins are not harassed in any way by visiting members of the public,” the city said.

Visitors were reminded that leashes are mandatory for dogs along Burghers Walk, where many nests are located.

“Recent nest counts of breeding penguins indicate that of the 982 nests counted, 109 nests are located just along Burghers’ Walk and the areas immediately south of Burghers’ Walk,” the city said.