Backman and Happy Feet’s New Chapter Begins

Backman, the penguin once terrified of water, and his companion, Happy Feet, have come a long way since their first chapter.

If you haven’t yet read about their extraordinary journey, catch up on their story here

In early July 2024, the team at Tenikwa made a curious discovery: every pebble, shell, and stick from the penguin rehab pool and “beach” was being carefully gathered and carried by Happy Feet and Backman into their little hideaway—a faux rock within their enclosure. The couple became increasingly withdrawn, spending more and more time inside their makeshift nest, far from the other penguins. It was soon clear that these two were preparing for something very special: they were likely getting ready to breed.

While this would have been an exciting development under different circumstances, it posed a problem. The original plan had been to release the pair on a beach in Plettenberg Bay, but that plan needed to change. If they were to breed, they would need a proper island sanctuary, where they could safely raise their chick. This meant a new strategy was in order, as it would take up to two weeks for the penguins to travel to an island on their own, a journey they would not be able to make while still in rehab.

The team quickly scrambled to find a safe, suitable island for the pair. After discussing the matter with conservation experts and securing the necessary support from SANCCOB, Backman’s vet, and CapeNature, the plan was set in motion: Backman and Happy Feet would need to be physically relocated.

This led to a conversation with Christina Hagen about the possibility of releasing the pair at the De Hoop Penguin Colony, located outside Cape Town. With the right weather conditions and support from Ruan, the skipper of Ocean Sailing Charters, the plan took shape. On July 18th, CapeNature and Christina gave the green light for the release to happen two days later, on July 20th.

As fate would have it, Robberg Vets’ vet nurse, Hanlie, was scheduled to head to Cape Town that morning. She graciously detoured to De Hoop, a five-hour drive from Plettenberg Bay, carrying Backman, Happy Feet, and their carefully collected nesting materials. It was a road trip that would lead them to freedom.

Upon arriving, Hanlie and Christina selected the perfect nesting spot for the pair. They ensured the penguins were safely contained with their nesting items in a pen until just before dusk, allowing them time to acclimate to their new environment. The team at Tenikwa could only imagine the emotions of the two African penguins, who had been in captivity for so long, now facing the vastness of their new home.

Both Happy Feet and Backman had transponders fitted, enabling Christina to monitor their movements. If they left the island, the transponders would alert her, and there were also cameras installed on the island to help spot them. Just days after their release, the transponder on Happy Feet signaled that she was on the island. Shortly after, Christina spotted a small adult penguin resembling Backman nearby. It was a moment of joy and relief.

Now, all we can do is hope that Backman and Happy Feet have found their true home at De Hoop, and that they will stay there, helping to establish a thriving colony on the island. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from conservationists to the veterinary team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the penguins’ success.

A heartfelt thank you to all who made this journey possible! Wishing Backman and Happy Feet the best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

Source: Plett Tourism