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Heartwarming video, shot in South Africa, goes viral on social media … showing an injured (and intelligent) little penguin jumping on a couple’s kayak to seek help.
At first, the couple think the endangered African penguin is just “the friendliest penguin ever” … until they realize that one of its fins appears to be injured and that she is incredibly tired. Once on board, the little penguin seems to bond gently with Ben Brown, a British artist and YouTuber currently based in the Western Cape. At the end, Ben’s kayaking partner declares that the penguin is in love with Ben! Viewers agree. One of them said, “It was the sweetest thing – the penguin seemed to know she could trust you, knew she wasn’t in good hands.”
The video was edited and posted by The Dodo, the social media page for all who love and care for animals, and has had over 5 million views on Facebook since its publication five days ago! It was actually filmed in early December 2020 (watch the full video at the bottom of the page).
LOOK A baby penguin jumps in a kayak ask for help – The Dodo and Ben Brown
What happened to the baby penguin after it was rescued?
For those worried about what happened to the penguin – he was rescued by SANCCOB (the man with the box at the end) to be rehabilitated and assessed for release back into the wild – which in this case is Boulders Beach Colony in Simon’s Town (made famous on the Netflix TV show Penguin Town!).
Ben says SANCCOB told him they were going to feed the little penguin to make him stronger, and check that there was enough oil on his body. (Please support us SANCCOB, the incredible non-profit organization that saves seabirds, including endangered species like this African penguin).
Uplifting
The video was uplifting for many, including a social media user who said it was the first time she found herself smiling since her mother’s recent death. Christine from Canada added, “It’s actually so humiliating when nature chooses you !!! This experience with the penguins was wonderful… my heart broke when you had to send her to the vet to make sure she was okay! Another overseas viewer said, “This penguin was so cute! Please keep us posted on how it works. Cape Town looks amazing â€
The only negative comment came from a wildlife vet who said rescuers should not pet wild animals. She indicated that what we think is calming is actually stressful for them. However – in this case – the images of the penguin with Ben at the end, as he lays calmly in his arms as he gently strokes him, seem to say otherwise.
It’s rare for an African penguin to be so calm around a human. Even the SANCCOB rescuer seemed in disbelief, asking Ben, “She didn’t bite you at all ????? You are lucky!!”
A former SANCCOB employee, MM, said: “I used to work professionally with African penguins and did a job exchange at SANCCOB in 2015. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly there to rehabilitate and release an overwhelming amount of penguins each year. It’s really crazy how many birds are there on a daily basis. It was one of the hardest jobs I have ever done. They really are the best of the best, so I’m glad you (Ben) called them up. African penguins are endangered and every bird counts! Also, just to let you know, African penguins are known to bite and slap their wings when touched or picked up – I have endless scars. This juvenile has rather brayed with you and made the nod of the head they make with their comrades, lucky! He definitely needed a rest. Good work:)”
Another foreign worker said, “Please support the hospital in 🧠where this penguin was taken. You can even adopt a penguin! I worked there as a volunteer overseas, so trust me your donation is well spent. https://sanccob.co.za/save-the-african-penguin/“
WATCH the entire baby penguin rescue
Follow Ben on:
- https://www.instagram.com/benjam/
- https://www.youtube.com/c/benbrown
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