Rangers rescue penguin chicks at Boulders Beach during Cape heatwave

Parts of the Western Cape have been enduring sweltering heat with record-breaking temperatures.

The mercury tipped 40° Celsius a few times in Cape Town as well, where a specific group of residents was at particular risk.

It's the peak of the breeding season for the Boulder's Beach penguin colony, with hatching chicks in extreme danger during heatwaves.

As a proactive measure, intensified patrols were conducted by Table Mountain National Park Marine Unit rangers, together with the City of Cape Town’s penguin rangers.

On 11 March, 19 African penguin chicks – including 17 newly hatched individuals – were removed from the colony to prevent heat stress and abandonment. 

The baby birds have been transferred to SANCCOB, where they will be cared for until their first moult before being released back into the colony.

The African penguin is critically endangered, and as SANParks says, every individual matters. 

RELATED: African penguin population declines by around 8% each year - CapeNature

"These proactive interventions are essential to give each chick the best possible chance of survival during extreme weather conditions"

They urged visitors to remember to keep a safe distance and follow all guidelines when visiting the Boulders colony.

Click here to find out more about the work SANCCOB does and how you can help protect our penguins.

This Easter you can also adopt a special penguin easter egg, and follow the journey from egg to chick.