How dangerous are bug sprays to the environment

Author : Lila Warren

Introduction

Bug sprays have become a common solution for managing pests in homes, gardens, and outdoor spaces. They provide quick relief from insects that can spread disease, damage plants, or simply create discomfort. However, the convenience of these products often comes with environmental consequences that many people overlook. As awareness of ecological impact continues to grow, questions surrounding the safety and sustainability of bug sprays are becoming more important. Exploring how these products affect the environment and how they can be improved offers a path toward more responsible pest control practices.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Bug Sprays

Traditional bug sprays are typically formulated with chemical compounds designed to eliminate or repel insects quickly. While effective, these chemicals can have unintended effects on the surrounding ecosystem. When sprayed outdoors, they may drift into soil, water, and nearby vegetation, potentially harming beneficial insects and wildlife.

Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are particularly vulnerable. These species play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting food production, yet they can be negatively affected by exposure to certain pesticides. In addition, chemical residues may persist in the environment, contributing to long-term contamination of soil and water sources.

Indoor use also presents challenges. While sprays are often marketed as safe for household use, repeated exposure to certain chemicals can reduce air quality and create health concerns for both humans and pets. These factors highlight the need to carefully consider how and where bug sprays are used.

Balancing Effectiveness with Responsibility

Despite their potential drawbacks, bug sprays remain useful tools when used responsibly. The key lies in balancing effectiveness with environmental awareness. Instead of relying on frequent, widespread application, many experts recommend targeted use. This approach focuses on treating specific problem areas rather than applying chemicals broadly.

Another important consideration is choosing products with lower toxicity levels. Many modern formulations are designed to break down more quickly in the environment, reducing their long-term impact. Labels and certifications can help consumers identify products that meet certain environmental standards.

Education also plays a role. Understanding how pests behave and where they thrive allows individuals to use bug sprays more strategically. By addressing root causes, such as standing water or food sources, it becomes possible to reduce reliance on chemical solutions altogether.

Exploring Natural and Eco-Friendly Alternatives

As sustainability becomes a priority, natural and eco-friendly pest control options are gaining popularity. These alternatives often use plant-based ingredients or biological methods to deter or manage pests without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment.

Essential oils, for example, are commonly used in natural bug repellents. Ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender can help keep insects away while remaining safer for humans and pets when used correctly. Additionally, introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs for garden pest control, offers a biological approach that supports the ecosystem.

Another growing trend is the use of integrated pest management strategies. This method combines multiple techniques, including physical barriers, habitat modification, and minimal chemical use, to achieve effective results. By focusing on prevention and balance, eco-friendly solutions reduce the need for traditional sprays while maintaining control over pest populations.

The Role of Professional and Community-Based Solutions

In some cases, managing pests sustainably requires more than individual effort. Professional services are increasingly adapting to meet environmental standards by offering safer and more targeted treatments. These services often use advanced techniques to minimize chemical exposure while still addressing pest concerns effectively.

For example, solutions like many of Charlotte’s pest removal services reflect a shift toward approaches that prioritize both efficiency and environmental responsibility. By focusing on methods that reduce harm to non-target species and surrounding ecosystems, these services demonstrate how pest control can evolve to meet modern expectations.

Community awareness also contributes to better outcomes. When neighborhoods adopt consistent practices, such as proper waste management and water control, pest populations can be managed more effectively with less reliance on chemical sprays. This collective effort reinforces the importance of sustainability on a broader scale.

Innovations and the Future of Sustainable Pest Control

The future of pest control is likely to be shaped by innovation and continued research. Scientists and manufacturers are developing new products that aim to deliver effective results with minimal environmental impact. These include biodegradable formulas, precision application systems, and even technologies that target specific pests without affecting other organisms.

Smart technology is also beginning to influence pest management. Devices that monitor pest activity and environmental conditions can help identify issues early, allowing for more precise and limited interventions. This reduces unnecessary chemical use and supports a more sustainable approach overall.

Consumer demand will continue to drive these advancements. As more people prioritize environmental responsibility, the market for eco-friendly pest control solutions will expand. Over time, this shift has the potential to redefine industry standards and create more sustainable options for everyone.

Conclusion

Bug sprays play an important role in managing pests, but their environmental impact cannot be ignored. By understanding the risks associated with traditional products and exploring more sustainable alternatives, it becomes possible to strike a balance between effectiveness and responsibility. Through informed choices, innovative solutions, and a commitment to environmental awareness, pest control can evolve into a practice that protects both our living spaces and the ecosystems around us.

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Fabulous Five find freedom

Penguin Release June 2026 Plettenberg Bay

15 June 2026 we got the call we had been waiting for! We got the go ahead that 20 June 2026 would be perfect for our penguin release…. 5 days notice from Ocean Sailing Charters who always keep an eye on the weather for us for the best date, let us know it was going to be a good day for the release with great weather for another 10 days after that.

 

So it was all hands on deck!! Natures Valley Trust, BirdLife Plett, Plett Stranding Network, SANParks, Cape Nature and Tenikwa knew we had to let the Plettenberg Bay community know that there was a penguin release on just a few days away. Penguin posts with names and faces of the Fabulous Five were shared all over social media and the excitement started to build.

NVT arriving early at the beach to put the crowd ropes up, Birdlife Plett setting up their speaker system and fundraising members getting in place, Robberg Vets & SANParks putting the Penguin enclosure up ready, only then waiting for the VIP’s (very important PENGUINS) to arrive.

Penguins being released at Plettenberg Bay

As we pulled up to the beach we were blown away by the support of our wonderful town. Even though the weather was chilly it didn’t stop everyone coming to see  Penny, Lucky, Thai, Easter and Minke off.

Penguins being released at Plettenberg Bay

And the penguins didn’t disappoint either…. As soon as the little pen gate was opened, their natural instinct kicked in and off they went straight into the ocean. There were tears of joys, rounds of applause and great excitement for yet another successful release.

And with African penguins now being critically endangered, we all have to do whatever we can to make sure that African Penguin releases are something that your great great grandchildren get to attend

 

 

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6 May 2026 ……… As most people along the Garden Route know, this day was the start of a very difficult 3 weeks for most of us. With winds picking up to over 100kph, driving rain fall of 300mm causing severe flooding in some areas, thousands of trees of all sizes being blown down across roads and taking out hundreds of power lines in the area we knew we were all in for a tough time.

Although the strong winds, torrential rain and very poor road conditions didn’t stop two heroes from saving a life. With ALL communications down and no way to contact us or Cape Nature, On 7 May 2026 Michael Bridgeford (BirdLife Plett) and Christo arrived at Tenikwa with a tiny, cold soaking wet bushbuck, that by the signs we could see was only a couple of days old.

The waters had risen and he had become separated from his mother and nothing could be done to immediately reunite them, so Michael and Christo intervened as they had no other choice. We hoped the rain would stop and the water level would drop in hope they would come across the mother again, but the water levels were just rising daily, the winds continued to bring trees down and we made the difficult decision that the safest place for the baby bushbuck was with us
where he was getting his milk, and being kept warm and out of harms way.

We called him “Bridge” after Michael who is a massive supporter of Tenikwa. Bridge is now in an outdoor enclosure browsing on all the natural vegetation he would normally eat in the wild and is still getting his bottled milk. Once he is old
enough and has had a little more time to re-wild then we will release him back to the area where he was found so he can live the life he was always meant to live.

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How Does Assisted Living Homes Close to Wildlife Balance Patient Lifestyle and Safety

Author : Lila Warren

Assisted living communities are evolving to offer more than just care and convenience. Many are now located in serene, nature-rich environments that provide residents with access to greenery, fresh air, and even nearby wildlife. While these settings can greatly enhance quality of life, they also present unique challenges when it comes to maintaining safety. Striking a balance between allowing residents to enjoy nature and ensuring their well-being is essential. With thoughtful planning and modern safety practices, assisted living homes can successfully combine the calming benefits of nature with the structured care residents depend on.

The Benefits of Nature for Residents

Living close to nature has been shown to improve both physical and mental well-being. For residents in assisted living communities, the presence of wildlife, gardens, and natural surroundings can create a peaceful atmosphere that supports relaxation and reduces stress. Even simple activities such as birdwatching, walking along landscaped paths, or sitting outdoors can have a positive impact on mood.

Exposure to natural environments also encourages gentle physical activity. Residents are more likely to spend time outside when the surroundings are visually appealing and inviting. This can contribute to better mobility, improved cardiovascular health, and overall vitality. Additionally, the connection to nature often sparks curiosity and engagement, providing a sense of enjoyment and purpose in daily life.

Understanding the Risks of Wildlife Proximity

While nature offers many benefits, proximity to wildlife does introduce potential risks that must be carefully managed. Animals such as deer, raccoons, or even smaller creatures can pose safety concerns if residents come too close or attempt to interact with them. There is also the possibility of uneven terrain, insects, or environmental hazards that may increase the risk of falls or discomfort.

Understanding these risks allows assisted living communities to implement proactive measures. Staff members are typically trained to monitor outdoor areas, ensuring that residents can enjoy nature safely. Clear guidelines are often put in place to discourage feeding or approaching wildlife, which helps maintain both resident safety and the natural behavior of the animals.

Designing Safe and Accessible Outdoor Spaces

One of the most effective ways to balance enjoyment and safety is through intentional design. Outdoor spaces in assisted living communities are carefully planned to provide access to nature while minimizing potential hazards. Features such as paved walking paths, secure fencing, and well-maintained landscaping create an environment that is both inviting and controlled.

Seating areas are often strategically placed to allow residents to observe wildlife from a safe distance. Covered patios, gardens, and enclosed courtyards can offer the feeling of being immersed in nature without direct exposure to risks. In communities like Assisted Living in Greensboro, NC, these design elements play a critical role in ensuring that residents can benefit from their surroundings without compromising their safety.

Lighting also plays an important role in outdoor safety. Well-lit pathways and common areas reduce the risk of accidents, especially during early morning or evening hours. Combined with regular maintenance, these features create a secure and enjoyable environment for residents.

Staff Support and Supervision

While design is essential, the role of staff cannot be overlooked. Assisted living communities rely on trained professionals to monitor residents and respond to any potential concerns. Staff members often accompany residents during outdoor activities or remain nearby to provide assistance when needed.

Supervision does not mean limiting independence. Instead, it offers a layer of support that allows residents to feel confident exploring outdoor spaces. Staff can also provide education, reminding residents about safe behaviors and guiding them in how to enjoy nature responsibly.

In addition, emergency protocols are in place to address unexpected situations. Whether it involves a minor fall, an encounter with wildlife, or a sudden health concern, having trained personnel readily available ensures that issues are handled quickly and effectively.

Encouraging Safe Interaction with Nature

Rather than restricting access to wildlife entirely, many assisted living communities focus on creating structured opportunities for safe interaction. Organized activities such as guided nature walks, gardening programs, or educational sessions about local wildlife can enhance the experience while maintaining safety.

These activities are designed to be both engaging and controlled. Residents can enjoy the beauty of their surroundings with the reassurance that safety measures are in place. This approach helps preserve a sense of independence and enjoyment, which is essential for maintaining quality of life.

By encouraging mindful interaction with nature, communities help residents develop an appreciation for their environment without exposing them to unnecessary risks. It is about creating experiences that are enriching, not overwhelming.

Conclusion

Balancing lifestyle and safety in assisted living communities near wildlife requires a thoughtful and multifaceted approach. By combining intentional design, staff support, and structured activities, these communities can offer residents the best of both worlds. Nature becomes an asset rather than a challenge, providing opportunities for relaxation, engagement, and improved well-being. When managed effectively, proximity to wildlife enhances the living experience while maintaining the high standards of care and safety that residents and their families expect.

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Climate responsive roofing using new technology

Author : Harper Lane

The construction industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation as climate-responsive roofing systems take center stage in modern building design. These innovative solutions mark a clear break from traditional static roofing approaches, bringing together advanced materials and technologies that actively respond to shifting environmental conditions. Think of climate-responsive roofs as intelligent building components: they utilize smart materials, reflective coatings, and dynamic insulation systems that continuously adapt to temperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, and solar exposure throughout the day and across seasons.

This evolution reflects something bigger: it’s a fundamental shift in construction philosophy from passive protection toward active environmental management. The integration of these systems tackles pressing concerns head-on, addressing energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and building resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. As global temperatures continue their upward climb and extreme weather events become more frequent, there’s a growing recognition that conventional roofing methods simply can’t meet the demands of sustainable, future-proof building design anymore.

Material Innovations Driving Performance Standards

Revolutionary materials sit at the heart of climate-responsive roofing systems, fundamentally changing what we can expect from building envelopes. Phase-change materials embedded within roofing membranes perform an impressive balancing act: they absorb and release thermal energy, effectively buffering interior spaces from temperature extremes without requiring additional mechanical systems. Cool roofing technologies featuring specialized reflective pigments and coatings can reject the vast majority of solar radiation, which dramatically reduces cooling loads during scorching weather while maintaining structural integrity. What’s particularly clever about thermochromic materials is their ability to change reflective properties based on temperature, becoming more reflective when hot and more absorptive when cool, providing year-round optimization that adapts to seasonal needs.

Energy Efficiency and Economic Implications

Climate-responsive roofing systems deliver substantial energy savings that translate directly into reduced operational costs and improved building economics. Properly designed adaptive roofing can slash cooling energy consumption in hot climates while maintaining comfortable interior conditions with minimal heating demands during colder periods. These energy reductions extend the lifespan of HVAC equipment by decreasing operational hours and reducing thermal stress on building systems, a benefit that often gets overlooked in initial cost calculations. The economic benefits reach beyond utility savings, as buildings equipped with climate-responsive roofs frequently command premium rental rates and higher property values thanks to their sustainability credentials and lower operating expenses.

Regulatory Frameworks and Building Code Integration

The proliferation of climate-responsive roofing technologies has prompted comprehensive updates to building codes and construction standards at local, national, and international levels. Modern energy codes increasingly mandate minimum solar reflectance index values for roofing materials, particularly in cooling-dominated climates where heat gain through roofs represents a significant energy burden. Green building certification programs such as LEED, BREEAM, and Living Building Challenge award substantial credits for implementing adaptive roofing systems, effectively making them essential for projects pursuing sustainability recognition. When implementing climate-responsive systems in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations, homeowners who need to ensure proper installation and long-term performance in, say, a hot climate, might work with an Austin roofing company experienced in advanced roofing technologies.

California’s Title 24 energy standards and similar progressive codes in other jurisdictions now include specific provisions for cool roofs, thermal emittance requirements, and aged solar reflectance values that account for weathering over time, because what performs well on day one needs to perform well years down the line. These regulations establish testing methodologies, performance verification protocols, and quality assurance procedures that ensure installed systems deliver promised benefits throughout their service life. Professional licensing requirements for contractors and installers have evolved accordingly, now including specialized training in climate-responsive technologies to ensure proper implementation and system integration. The regulatory landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with many jurisdictions planning to strengthen requirements in upcoming code cycles as the evidence base for performance benefits continues to expand and technology costs decline.

Integration with Smart Building Systems

Climate-responsive roofing achieves maximum effectiveness when integrated with comprehensive building automation and monitoring systems that optimize performance in real-time. Advanced sensor networks embedded within roofing assemblies continuously monitor temperature gradients, moisture levels, and structural stress, providing actionable data for building management systems that can respond immediately to changing conditions. This information enables predictive maintenance strategies that identify potential issues before they escalate into costly failures, extending roof lifespan and reducing lifecycle costs significantly. Integration with weather forecasting services allows building systems to preemptively adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation settings based on anticipated conditions, maximizing efficiency and occupant comfort while avoiding reactive responses to environmental changes.

Conclusion

Climate-responsive roofing systems represent a transformative advancement in construction technology that addresses critical challenges facing the built environment in an era of climate uncertainty. The convergence of innovative materials, sophisticated control systems, and evolving regulatory frameworks is establishing new paradigms for building performance and sustainability that extend far beyond simple weather protection. As extreme weather events become more frequent and energy efficiency requirements intensify, the adoption of adaptive roofing technologies transitions from competitive advantage to essential standard practice. The construction industry’s embrace of these systems demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating resilient, efficient buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort and economic performance. Looking forward, continued innovation in materials science, sensor technology, and building automation will further enhance the capabilities and cost-effectiveness of climate-responsive roofing, ensuring its central role in shaping construction standards for decades to come.

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SETTING THEM FREE

We have had quite a few interesting releases this year in 2025, but there are four that we wanted to share with you

We raised and released four female caracals this year, all of them orphaned. They came to us as tiny kittens that should have been raised by their mothers, taught to hunt by their mothers and taught to survive without their mothers, but these four never got that chance. They came to us from 4 different areas in the Western Cape over a period of 3 months.

Two caracal cubs in rehabilitation at Tenikwa

We do our best to educate people how to live with predators in their areas and how to keep their domestic and farm animals protected against attacks and loss. However we can’t educate those that don’t want to be educated or those that perhaps don’t have the opportunities to be educated, so when education fails us we turn to conservation. We raise, rehabilitate and release these cats so that they can go on to live a life that they were meant to live, in the wild, where they belong.

Sometimes they can’t be released in the same area they came from for several reasons, so we work with Cape Nature to make sure they are released in a safe area where they can hunt and survive away from livestock and humans. And thankfully they assisted us with the safe release of these four girls.

All claws and hisses for this caracal cub admitted for rehabilitation at Tenikwa

Sometimes people find a caracal kitten under some bushes where more often than not the mother has left the kitten/kittens so she can go hunt. If you do happen to find these kittens, please notify Cape Nature, Tenikwa or another local wildlife centre or authority so that they can assess whether the kitten has been orphaned or not. They do not make good pets.

A caracal kitten is very aggressive and is actually one of the easier cats to rehabilitate in the right rehabilitation environment due to their natural aggression, however, the challenge is retaining their natural fear of humans whilst in rehabilitation. It is against the law to keep any indigenous wildlife without the correct permit from your local authority.

This caracal has not quite mastered the art of camouflage and is in rehabilitation at Tenikwa

Helping wildlife is sometimes as easy as leaving wildlife where they belong. If you have concerns we are always here to advise, or find someone who will be able to help you.
Luckily these four girls got to grow up and be released ….. and one day might become mothers themselves. We can only hope that they get to raise their own babies the way they should have been raised.

 

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Where Wildlife meets Wellness

 

2025 Tenikwa went through a lot of changes, and we are pleased to say they were mostly all good ones
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We have always believed that nature, wildlife and wellness always go hand in hand, so instead of just believing it, we made it happen.

We converted the beautiful Homestead  into a relaxing day SPA, making sure we never took away any of the decor and charm that the guests who stayed there loved so much. The outside however got quite the makeover, including a hot tub and a private swimming pool for the SPA guests.

Guests relaxing at the pool at the day spa at Tenikwa Wellness Spa in Plettenberg Bay

Now we couldn’t let the SPA get the only upgrade. We know Plettenberg Bay can have hot summers and cool winters. So for the hot summers we installed a second pool for our accommodation guests and for the cool winters we installed a second hot tub next to one of the Lion Cabins.

Swimming Pool for guests staying at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay

Now when you stay at Tenikwa, you can go on wildlife tours, forest walks, swim in the pool, book a SPA package that suits you, shop in our souvenir shop, have a coffee and cake in Chesters coffee shop, order a snack platter, lunch and or dinner whilst drinking a bottle of bubbly watching the sun go down.

Sometimes you just want to stay in one place for a few days, and now you can. Our accommodation, tours, SPA and treatments are all available to book via our website or you can email, call or WhatsApp us directly.

We are looking forward to meeting new guests and seeing old friends.

 

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YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN ME

This is not the usual  story of wildlife rehabilitation. Read on to learn about Beans and Sausage…

The pure bred African Wild Cat called Mr Beans in rehab at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay

In April 2025 we received a kitten that looked very much like an African Wildcat and he needed our help. He was paralyzed in his hind legs, but was feisty and active and wanted to play. We took him to Robberg Veterinary Clinic.  X-rays revealed that his spine was broken, but due to his age they said there was a possibility he could heal enough to be able to walk and be pain free. According to the x-rays and what the member of the public had told us when they dropped him off, it seemed he had little to no sunlight and his bones had become brittle “like honeycomb”
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He had pitch black pads on his paws and they looked just like little beans. So that was how Mr Beans got his name. He needed just the right nutrition, physio and exercise that would help him to heal and not do more harm. The vets put him on Hills Kitten food and it was remarkable to see quickly he was starting to get a little more movement in his hind legs on a daily basis. The vet made it clear that he would never be releasable due to his injuries and although would not be in pain, he would always be a little wobbly.
Of course Kitties like to climb, but until his bones were less brittle he wouldn’t be allowed to jump and climb and play like a healthy kitten, so he was in an enclosure that had tunnels and soft toys to keep his mind active without climbing and possibly falling and injuring himself.

We realised he needed some company as he was so playful, so we contacted Sunshine Animal Rescue and enquired if they had any kittens that were in need of a home. They very kindly donated a little tabby kitten to Tenikwa who was smaller than Mr Beans, but very bossy! Mr Beans was so excited when he saw his new friend…. We called his friend Sausage, as Sausage always goes with Beans!

Size comparison of the two juvenile cats of similar age – African Wild Cat to a domestic tabby at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay

Beans went from strength to strength, Hills Pet Nutrition kindly donated a few months worth for food for Beans, which Sausage loved as well and it proved to be amazing food, as soon Bean’s X-rays showed his bones were no longer brittle and he was able to be moved into a massive enclosure with Sausage with trees, rocks, shrubs and so much natural enrichment where they could play all day and we knew they would thrive. It was around this time we got his DNA test results back that Mr Beans was indeed 100% African Wildcat

The pure bred African Wild Cat called Mr Beans in rehab at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay

Comparison of the markings of the African Wild Cat to a domestic tabby at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre in Plettenberg Bay

African Wildcats are often mistaken for domestic tabby cats so when they are seen next to each other it is great for people to see differences between them. So not only will Mr Beans be a very important ambassador for his kind, he is also an inspiration to us all to never give up.
Come to Tenikwa and Meet Sausage and Beans and learn more about conservation and how you can help us help wild animals in need.

Thanks to Robberg Vets, Hills Pet Nutrition and Sunshine Animal Rescue, for the important roles they played in making sure Mr Beans and Sausage will both grow up and grow old.

 

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Love Blooms where Tragedy struck twice

This is the heart-ache story of two penguins we fondly know as Dublin and Flipper, whose fate is intertwined.

Dublin and Flipper have found love at Tenikwa in rehabilitation

On 8 January 2024,  SanParks brought a young penguin to Tenikwa for rehabilitation. She was classified as a “blue” which is the general name for a juvenile penguin before their first moult into the traditional black and white colours. She was so weak and clearly had a broken flipper and weighed just 1.4kg. Hence we called her “Flipper”.

She was taken to Robberg Vets who x-rayed, assessed and said it would be a long road to recovery, but hopefully the flipper would heal. Unfortunately it meant that she couldn’t swim until it did. Every 3 days we changed her vet wrap bandage that kept her flipper in place, but before doing this we would rest her tummy and chest on our arm and lower her into a small bath of water so she could have the feeling of swimming, whilst it also helped with keeping her feathers waterproof. Finally on 8 March 2024 after a lot of follow up vet visits and x-rays, Flipper was bandage free and introduced to the other penguins in the large rehab pool at Tenikwa in the rehabilitation facilities. She steadily gained weight, and was doing really well.

On 1 September 2024 we admitted another penguin via SanParks. From the injuries sustained, this penguin looked as though he had been attacked by a predator. The wounds were not consistent with a seal attack, and looked more like a dog bite. It is very important that members of the public have control over their dogs and on lead near wildlife and on beaches. His tail had puncture wounds and another puncture on his abdomen. He was very dehydrated and one of the most aggressive penguins we have ever had to handle.  It was good that he was strong enough to fight, but sad that he had been so traumatised that it made helping him more difficult as it stressed him so much each time we had to work with him. We called him “Dublin”. After his veterinary assessment at Robberg Veterinary Clinic, he was kept in our rehab hospital’s high care area for a while before he could join the Tenikwa Penguins. All we had to do now was to wait for him to heal and moult so that his feathers would grow back. At that time, we were planning a release soon, but it wasn’t likely that he would be ready in time. It was disappointing as the rest of the penguins in rehab were cleared for released.

As October arrived,  we were ready to release the Penguins. Dublin had still not moulted and on a check up at the vet it was determined his preen gland had been injured when he was attacked. Penguins use the oil secreted by their preen gland located at the base of their tail, which they rub their beak over and then spread it all over their feathers. This keeps them waterproof, dry and warm in the cold ocean. So if his preen gland still didn’t work after moulting then it would be very unlikely that he could ever be released.

Dublin and Flipper will always be seen together as the other penguins splish-splash their way back to the wild where they belong

Some 6 days in the lead up to the release, we noticed Flipper was starting to eat a lot more fish. She started piling on the pounds and it was clear she was getting herself ready to go into natural moult. This meant she couldn’t be released with the others, but it also meant that Flipper could keep Dublin company at Tenikwa, along with another recent admission called Elias that SanParks also brought to us until the remaining penguins could be evaluated for release..

In due course, we noticed once more that penguin love was blossoming at Tenikwa!  Dublin and Flipper became inseparable. Unfortunately after Dublin completed his moult, our vet determined that his preen gland was still not functioning as it should. This was heartbreaking for us, as we knew he was now bonded with Flipper and there was a high possibility that he couldn’t be released. He just wouldn’t survive without his waterproofing, so essential in our cold waters. However the Tenikwa Team and the Veterinary Staff from Robberg Vet Clinic just don’t give up that easily when working with endangered species. So back to the vets Dublin went a few more times to have various treatments done to the preening gland, and to our absolute delight it seems the last treatment has worked!  Success at last – there is oil coming from his preen gland and it appears to be functioning correctly now. While he recovered (which was just 3 days) he could only swim for 2 to 3 minutes per day, so we kept him and Flipper in the pool area in a smaller pen together.

So here we are 1 year after Flipper was admitted and 6 months after Dublin was admitted and we are now preparing to release them both, along with 6 other penguins soon.

None of this would ever be possible without the Plett Bird club that assists us to cover some of the costs of the vast quantities of sardines that the penguins consume during their rehabilitation at Tenikwa; the fabulous veterinary staff, especially Sr Hanlie and Dr Pauline and the rest of Robberg Vet Clinic staff;  the amazingly dedicated SanParks Rangers and our generous sponsors, donors and guests who constantly help us, to save furry and feathered lives and give them a second chance at being free and wild.

Team work makes the dream work. We will update on the release date closer to the time.

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Polecats or Penguins

A Lot of our stories are often about our penguins and their rehabilitation and releases, so we are going to be sticking with the black and white theme, but today it isn’t penguins…….

In October 2024 , we received these two little polecat brothers for rehabilitation from Cape Nature. They came from the Calitzdorp area where it was believed their mother was sadly probably run over by a car. So making sure they are released into a similar, but safer environment for them is important for their survival.

As you can see by their photo they have markings in black and white similar to that of a piano keyboard. And that was where their names came from, PIA & NO. What is impressive is that even though they are black and white which is very different to their surroundings, their aposematic colouring actually helps keep them safe. Predators often see distinctive markings as a warning that their prey may be distasteful. Similar to that of a yellow and black wasp.

Displaying quite different personalities, PIA was the braver one, and very inquisitive. NO, on the other hand, was feisty and preferred to be hidden away a lot of the time.  They have thrived in rehabilitation and have spent the last month in a large pre-release enclosure having to find their own shelter and forage for tit-bits as they learn about their environment and fine tune their hunting skills. We feed them once a day, and hide it in different places every evening, so that they learn they need to find their own food.

In Afrikaans, Polecats are called “Stinkmuishond” which translated literally means Smelly Mouse Dog!  They do have a naturally musky smell, but can emit a foul odour when stressed and as a deterrent against predators. Which our vet Dr Brendan Tindall from Robberg Vets soon found out when they went for their vet check. When NO was picked up to be assessed and weighed, he  sprayed Dr Brendan to let him know that as cute as polecats are, they are not to be underestimated. They are also  ferocious little predators themselves.

They are almost ready to start the next stage of their transition back to the wild and adjust to the harsher climate of karoo before the cold sets in for winter.
They have been incredible to raise. And will be missed very much. We have so many photos and videos to share with you of their time with us, so make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see their updates.

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