Mystic Aquarium

The day started out cloudy and foggy. Table Mountain, which is viewable to us every day from the parking lot, was completely hidden. Usually I would not approve of the weather but a cool cloudy day is very welcome.

Today was almost a repeat of yesterday. Lucy and I worked in pen 1 again today. It was a busy schedule as usual. The difference between today and yesterday was that eight more penguins were admitted. Six were chicks. Lucy and Dani worked through their lunch to give them their initial examination and determine where they would need to go. For me, I think the rigorous schedule caught up with me a bit today, plus by afternoon the sun was out and it was hot again. I was more tired today then I have been. It just reinforces the amount of respect I have for the hard work everyone is doing. As I am winding down my trip, I am mentally preparing myself to leave.

There are a few chicks, whose numbers I can't remember but whose faces I will never forget. I will always wonder if they make it in the wild and where they end up. SANCCOB has had success with this project for a few years now and I will be going home knowing their chances of survival will be high due to the efforts here.

Today was also the last day for two of the volunteers who have both been here for six weeks. They were both sad to leave. During lunch we celebrated with a bit of carrot cake and chocolate cake. It was very good and a welcomed sweet treat. Not only am I so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with these amazing animals and people but I am proud to have made new friends, the staff at SANCCOB and amazing people from all over the world.