World - Today is world Penguin Day. Why? Because we can always use another excuse to celebrate our most adorable feathered friends.
World Penguin Day is a time to draw attention to the plight of these endangered animals, and also to celebrate some of the quirks and behaviours that have made penguins true ambassadors of the animal kingdom.
World Penguin Day is also celebrated on the 25th April each year, as this is roughly the date of this amazing creatures annual, northward migration.
Cape Town even finds itself home to the African penguin and northern rockhopper penguin – both endangered species that can be seen at the Two Oceans Aquarium. The Boulders Penguin Colony in Simons Town is also home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins, which is one of only a few in the world, and the site has become famous and a popular international tourist destination.
Our rockhoppers are enjoying their last few days in @TheOceanBasket Kelp Forest. Last chance to visit exhibit before next weeks maintenance. pic.twitter.com/dUlUkTc5gk
— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) April 24, 2017
While penguins may look cute and cuddly their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose.
This was famously proven by "Homewrecker Penguin" - the National Geographic viral video showing how one penguin came back to find his female partner shacking up with a new lovebird.
A fight breaks out when a husband comes home and finds his wife with another penguin. pic.twitter.com/9ejYGcJ5TJ
— Nat Geo Channel (@NatGeoChannel) November 4, 2016