The Penguin Runner


In October 2012, South African Dave Chamberlain set off from Walvis Bay, Namibia on a 2700km solo run for the African Penguin. 4 Months later, on a liquid-only diet and a pram as his only company, he arrived in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

 

Penguin Runner from Rhys Morgan on Vimeo.

 

Why on earth would he do something like that?

It is a little known fact that the African Penguin is listed as a “critically endangered” species by the IUCN. With rapidly declining numbers, the future survival of this penguin is uncertain.

Dave first heard about the plight of the African Penguin while on a charity run in Antarctica in March 2012. Being the son of an avid bird lover, Dave was surprised that he'd never heard about how serious the situation is for the penguin.  “We see penguins around, and we take for granted that they’re doing ok. But the reality is very different. ”

Dave realized the first hurdle in saving the penguin would be to raise awareness. So he set off on his run from Walvis Bay to Port Elizabeth, along the historical breeding range of the penguin, to spread the word. 

 

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner

 

How can you help?

  •  Click the button on the right to tweet about the plight of the African penguin right now!

  • Follow Dave at The Vidamago Foundation on Facebook and help to get the word out.

  • If you would like to make a donation you can do so here.

  • Or join Dave in his next run across Canada for the polar bears.  

   

 

A special thanks to Morgan Cardiff for the photos and footage, and for sharing this important story with us. All photos by Morgan Cardiff @ Rhys Morgan Images 

 

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner

 

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner

 

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner 

 

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner

   

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner

  

More links & information

  • Read more about The Vidamago Foundation and the Penguin Plod 2012 here

  • View more of Morgan Cardiff's photos here.
  • Find out about Conservation in Namibia here. 

 

African Penguins

Photo from Wikimedia Commons author Charlesjsharp 

Namibia wildlife, wildlife Namibia, wildlife Africa, Africa wildlife, save the penguin, the penguin runner

 

Leave your comment

    There is no comments yet. Be the first to post a comment!