The Atlas Obscura Podcast Beach Week: Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary (Classic)
Jul 30, 2025
Discover the unique experience of Boulders Beach, where tourists share the sand with friendly penguins. Learn about the charming penguin population in Simonstown and the protective measures in place for their safety. Delve into the challenges facing urban African penguins, from food scarcity to climate change. Explore conservation initiatives aimed at preserving these adorable birds while balancing the impacts of tourism and fishing on local ecosystems. Uncover how penguin conservation is vital for both biodiversity and the local economy.
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Local Penguins Roam Freely
- Penguins in Simonstown freely roam streets and people's gardens, interacting closely with locals.
- Some locals install swimming pool steps to help penguins safely exit, showing community care.
Penguins Chose The Beach
- Penguins weren't native to Simonstown's beach until the 1980s when they chose to breed there.
- Locals protected the area but penguins bypassed fences and expanded throughout the town.
Unique African Penguin Traits
- African penguins live in subtropical areas, diverging from the icy Antarctic stereotype.
- They communicate via donkey-like calls and show playful, curious personalities including stealing small items.