Ocean's Nature

We paid a visit to the rehabilitation centre, and it was great fun. In order to prepare for future bird-rescues Hannah and Rebecca learnt how to tube and feed sick birds. This is a skill that is life saving to the birds in need thus it is a vital skill to have. What a great opportunity it was for them, they are so priviledged. Volunteering never disappoints.

As a collaboration between Pennsylvania State University, Nelson Mandela University, the Seven Passes Initiative and Ocean's Nature we all gathered together in Touwsrantem tonight to chat about pollution management, leadership skills, conservation and penguins. At the end of the evening when the students had to reflect on what they have learnt from the presentation, one girl said: "I learnt to never give up on my dreams." That marks the event as a huge success.

The African Black Oystercatcher is classified as Least Concern to extinction. It is great to know people adhere to laws and regulations on the beaches. This fledgling is proof that conservation is great.

This poster shows two photos of the same individual in different sized boxes. The top photo indicates what it looks like when the box is too small. The picture below indicates a suitable size box according to the body size of this individual. Please download this poster and distribute it. It is important to ensure that the bird in need of a rescue is comfortable during transportation. Education is key.

Ocean's Nature hosted its 3rd annual event for African Penguin Awareness Day at the Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (SAPREC). It was awesome to mingle with and work in between the birds. Awareness was raised and therefore it was a great day for both the students and the birds.

The newest addition to my Seabird Stranding Workshop, the Cape Gannet. With the dummies I demonstrate how to catch a bird that is in need of help. The pupils then also have time to practice their hand-position on the dummies to ensure they catch birds in the most humane way.

Seabird and Turtle Stranding Workshop. This was a workshop that I presented at NMMU in order to teach what to do if you come across an injured or sick seabird or turtle. It was a huge success as the information was well received and the students practiced how to hold a bird correctly. These students are now well-equipped with the whole procedure when coming across an animal in need. Thanks everyone for attending a lovely evening. And thanks to the Green Campus Forum for arranging it all for me.

The Loggerhead turtle population is only two classifications away from becoming extinct in the wild. It is mainly human activities that threatens them so much. Please download and distribute this poster to ensure that beach-goers are rather pro-active in knowing what to do when a turtle is found. Take the lead, be the change.

A workshop presented on seabird and turtle strandings. These White Shark Africa interns are now equipped with the knowledge of what to do when a stranded bird or turtle is encountered on the beach. You girls made it very enjoyable, thanks so much. Would you like to learn how to cater for the needs of a stranded animal? Feel free to message me now to arrange a date.

Thanks Valerie Lippino for taking the photos.

Whales are mammals thus it cannot tolerate water in its lungs. When a beached whale is encountered that is still alive, the officials usually through water over the animal yet it is very important to keep water away from the blow hole. Interesting to learn about myths.