‘Happy Feet’: A small reminder with a big message

I’m not much of a movie buff, but I do enjoy a good film – especially one with animals, animation, humour, a bit of adventure, and (ideally) a happy ending. One that still comes to mind, even after all these years, is Happy Feet. I first watched it more than 20 years ago, and somehow it’s stayed with me.

At its heart, Happy Feet is about Mumble, a penguin who doesn’t quite fit in. He can’t sing like the others, but he can dance – and it’s that difference that eventually helps save his colony. Watching it again now, it feels less like a children’s movie and more like a reminder: sometimes survival depends on adaptation, community, and paying attention when something isn’t right.

The African penguin: Closer to home, and in trouble

Closer to home, we have our own penguins – and their story is far less light-hearted. The African penguin is found along the southern coastline of South Africa and Namibia, with well-known colonies at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, Betty’s Bay, Dyer Island, Robben Island and Dassen Island.

These penguins, easily recognised by their tuxedo-like markings and distinctive braying call (often compared to a donkey), play an important role in ocean health. Once abundant, they are now classified as endangered. Habitat loss, overfishing, climate change and pollution have had a devastating impact. Estimates suggest that in 2023 there were fewer than 20,000 mature individuals left, with numbers continuing to decline rapidly each year. Without intervention, we risk losing them altogether.

What we can do – and why it matters

Unlike a movie, this story doesn’t automatically come with a happy ending. But the good news is that we’re not powerless.

Supporting organisations such as SANCCOB, BirdLife South Africa and conservation initiatives led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment helps protect critical breeding and feeding areas. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, signing petitions, or simply sharing credible information, every action adds weight to the call for change.

And when we’re lucky enough to encounter penguins in the wild, especially at places like Boulders Beach, small choices matter. Keeping a respectful distance, sticking to boardwalks, checking under cars before driving off, and leaving no trace behind all help reduce stress on already vulnerable colonies.

Protecting African penguins isn’t just about saving a species – it’s about protecting a piece of our natural heritage. Like Mumble, they don’t stand a chance on their own. But with awareness, care, and collective effort, we can help ensure that future generations still get to experience the unmistakable waddle of these remarkable birds.