UShaka Sea World’s penguin colony welcomes new addition
uShaka Sea World welcomed a newly hatched baby penguin to their penguin colony last Friday who has affectionately been named Kolisi after the Springbok's Siya Kolisi.
ON Friday, November 3, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research’s (SAAMBR) animal care staff entered the penguin colony and were delighted when they heard the chirping of a brand-new baby penguin.
The baby has lovingly been named Kolisi by the staff at uShaka Sea World.
According to a statement released by SAAMBR, Kolisi’s parents, Larnie and Button, have their own unique stories that add to the beauty of this new story. “Larnie, affectionately known as the ‘toy boy’, had his fair share of relationships before becoming a father for the first time on November 3. Larnie was born at uShaka Sea World on September 1, 2010.
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“Button, on the other hand, has a tale of resilience. Rescued after washing up on the coast on May 1, 2015, she arrived at Ushaka Sea World with a badly damaged left wing which needed amputation. At eight years old, Button has now become a first-time mom, proving that love and care can triumph over challenges. Described as sweet as a button, her maternal instincts shone through as her newborn cuddled up to her,” said SAAMBR in their statement.
“I was absolutely delighted when I found a precious little ball of fluff weighing only 71 grams cuddled up underneath Mom while Dad stood proudly and protectively on guard,” said the Lead Animal Care Specialist at uShaka Sea World.
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She went on to express her overwhelming happiness. Tears welled up in her eyes as she named the newborn penguin Kolisi, inspired by Siya Kolisi, the captain of the Springboks rugby team. Siya Kolisi recently led his team to victory in the Rugby World Cup, embodying unity and strength. De Klerk believed it fitting to name the baby penguin after such an inspiring and selfless figure, emphasising the power of togetherness.
To learn more about the African Penguins at uShaka Sea World, visit the Penguin page on the uShaka Sea World website.
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