Things are looking up for the Adélie penguin after only 2 out of thousands of their chicks survived in one of their colonies last year. This month, scientists announced the discovery of a mega-colony where some 1.5 million birds were thriving far from the reach of man.
Last year's catastrophic event was caused by shifting weather patterns that forced the penguins to travel further for the food they needed to feed their young. By the time they returned, nearly all of the chicks had perished.
But now the race is on to make sure that this newly discovered colony gets the protection they deserve so that their home and their survival are not put in jeopardy.
Colony die-offs have been attributed to climate change and human activities, but the mega-colony seems to be sheltered from those same effects — for now. However, there is no guarantee that this seclusion will last unless government officials join together and finally designate a currently proposed reserve. The Marine Protected Area (MPA) would help guard these birds against human interference and other dangers.
Please add your name to the list of animal lovers and concerned citizens who wish to see the Adélie penguin thrive. Sign the petition and ask the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources to create a MPA to ensure the survival of this amazing bird.
