When we help rear an African penguin chick or rehabilitate an injured African penguin, that act has a long-term ripple effect that increases the population of African penguin colonies. Indeed, every African penguin counts.
The loss of 45 (conservative estimate) future African penguins makes it all the more sad when an injured African penguin doesn’t make it.
We were at the Boulders Beach African penguin colony the first week of August 2023 when we spotted an injured African penguin, likely from a sea lion attack. The penguin continued to crawl up the beach and seemed to have quite a fighting spirit as it used its flippers to move slowly up the beach. Despite its fighting spirit, it wasn’t able to fend off the gull that was taking advantage of its injuries. Our intervention, along with Shannon’s tears, began when we made sure someone had contacted the Penguin Rangers and continued throughout the penguin’s care.
At first, we heard the penguin, dubbed AP467, was doing well after a required foot amputation. When we next reached out to SANCCOB for a report, we learned the heartbreaking news. While the report is difficult to read, it provides important insight into the great lengths our partners go to when tending to injured African penguins.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to share with you that unfortunately AP467 had to be euthanized. With your intervention, the penguin received good quality end of life care.
Penguin AP467 underwent a 28-day period of intensive care at SANCCOB, during which we spared no effort to rescue him.
On August 1st, our veterinarian, Dr. David Roberts, conducted the initial examination of the penguin. At that time, the penguin weighed 2.18kg and was identified as an adult. A severe bite wound was observed on the right side, with the foot hanging precariously. The left side exhibited less severe injuries. Given the penguin’s evident distress, swift admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was imperative.
On August 3rd, the penguin exhibited signs of improvement by consuming two fish tails. Under anesthesia, Dr David Roberts meticulously cleaned the wound on the right foot and proceeded to amputate it due to extensive damage, including luxation of the hock joint and multiple exposed and fractured bones. The right foot was thoroughly cleaned and secured with a hock splint, while concerns about potential ligament damage in the left hock were noted. The penguin faced significant challenges under anaesthesia, with compromised breathing and a low heart rate, requiring intermittent isoflurane administration alongside artificial respiration.
Subsequent pain assessments on August 4th and 5th revealed fluctuating pain levels. On August 7th, the penguin experienced the joy of swimming but remained aggressive when handled. However, once in the water, its demeanour shifted to a calmer and more content state. At this point, the penguin’s weight had increased to 2.34kg. Nonetheless, we recognized the need for further procedures as the left foot still showed swelling and small open wounds, while the right stump exhibited dry, necrotic skin with intact sutures and minimal swelling.
On August 10th, an X-ray revealed normal appearances of the right stump at the hock level and specific fractures in the right foot, necessitating swift amputation. The left foot, still swollen, was amputated at the hock level with quick suturing. However, the penguin refrained from standing much due to fractured toe bones on one foot and the presence of a stump on the other, which caused discomfort during the healing process.
As of August 21st, the right stump displayed dry and dead skin on the front, with the scab remaining intact. The left foot had a significant scab on the medial toe, indicating that the splint was not effectively assisting in recovery. Consequently, we discontinued the use of the splint and placed the penguin in a well-padded enclosure.
By August 24th, the condition of the right stump further deteriorated, with the skin drying and dying. Meanwhile, the left foot continued to exhibit numerous scabs, with signs of potential deep wounds on the lateral toe. A decision was reached that if amputation became necessary for this toe, euthanasia would be a more humane course of action.
On August 27th, during a bandage change at 16:50, the last joint on the middle toe of the left foot detached. Subsequently, on August 28th, the penguin’s condition worsened, with increased periods of lying down and reduced standing.
By August 29th, it became evident that euthanasia was the most compassionate choice, as the condyles had separated from the epiphysis of the distal right tibiotarsus (where the stump was), with necrotic tissue on the cranial aspect of the stump. The opposite foot showed a draining fistula and signs of osteomyelitis, with pathological fractures in several toes.
Regrettably, despite our dedicated efforts, the penguin could not be successfully rehabilitated. We deeply appreciate your concern.