Shanet Rutgers – Champion of the African Penguin and Guardian of Their Future

At the forefront of marine conservation in South Africa stands Shanet Rutgers, an individual whose dedication to the African penguin has not only shaped her career but also illuminates a path to potential salvation for this endangered species. Rutgers' journey began in her childhood with a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium and has matured into a vital role within the same institution, one which she now oversees the husbandry and care of penguin colonies.

Her early aspirations were set into motion through an educational opportunity provided by the De Beers marine biology course, which paved the way for her to volunteer and later work at the Two Oceans Aquarium. Rutgers' commitment to her craft saw her rise to the position of head of penguin care, a role she assumed with a wealth of knowledge acquired through her studies in animal health at the University of Cape Town.

As head of penguin care, Rutgers' responsibilities extend beyond mere feeding and cleaning activities. Her work combines educational outreach with hands-on clinical care, leveraging her expertise to identify and address health issues, like bumblefoot, which can greatly affect the quality of life for penguins in captivity.

Rutgers confronts various challenges with 34 birds under her watch, including unpredictable behaviors that can result in injuries requiring immediate attention. Despite such demands, Rutgers' work remains deeply rewarding as she fosters an understanding of penguin behavior, diets, and personalities among aquarium visitors.

Advocacy forms a core component of Rutgers' endeavor, shining a spotlight on the burgeoning threats to African penguins. According to the IUCN Red List, the species is on the brink of being categorized as functionally extinct, with overfishing and habitat pollution being primary drivers of their decline. In response, Rutgers engages in educational programs surrounding penguin feeds, discussing the critical issues of fish produce and environmental pollution.

Moreover, Rutgers plays an instrumental role in 'Not On Our Watch', a conservation campaign that commenced in March 2023 with support from an array of organizations. This campaign is dedicated to amplifying awareness of the plight of the African penguin and galvanizing action to avert its disappearance from the wild.

The narrative of the African penguin's decline is sobering. Historical exploitation of their habitat and recent environmental challenges have drastically reduced their populations. From an abundance of 1.5 million on Dassen Island in the early 1900s, their numbers have plummeted to about 10,000 in the wild today.

To combat this, Rutgers advocates for initiatives such as beach clean-ups, sustainable living, and proactive education. The Two Oceans Aquarium, steered by Rutgers and her team, engages the public through biodiversity management plans and encourages active participation in the conservation discourse.

Rutgers' unwavering dedication to the African penguin not only embodies the principles of animal care and conservation but also serves as a beacon of hope for the sustainability of species under duress. Her work stands as a testament to the difference one individual can make in the broader context of environmental preservation.