Mystic Aquarium

I can't believe it's already here! My last full day at SANCCOB! I fly home tomorrow and after almost two weeks of living and working in South Africa, I can honestly say I am sad it has come to an end.

The day started out like any other with the morning meeting. Only today, I was given the choice of which pen I wanted to work in. I of course chose pen two! All those cute, little, fluffy chicks... who could resist! As the meeting came to a close, the staff presented me with a lovely parting gift and shared some nice words about my time with them, including how I almost flipped head first into the pool with the pelican! I shared some words as well, but I could never truly sum up my wonderful time at SANCCOB.

I worked through the day tubing, feeding, cleaning and getting my last few bruises from the little bites of chick beaks looking for food. I visited String and Rocky in home pen. I proceeded to become completely dirty head to toe like usual. Even the vet, Dr. Nola, commented that from now on, whenever any of the birds are completely "rubbish looking" (meaning soiled and dirty) she will now refer to them as "Tracy birds." I feel quite honored.

At the end of my day, I had a sad moment as I realized that I had finished the last treatment on my last chick in the pen. But it is amazing to look back at the journey I have been on. Even seeing the growth, change and strength these little chicks have already gained in my short time here is impressive. They are fighters and I have no doubt that with the help of SANCCOB, many of these chicks will survive and grow up to do what penguins do, for many years to come.

Tomorrow I will go in for only a short time before I need to leave for the airport. They are releasing the pelican tomorrow and have invited me to watch as it goes on its journey. I can't help but to think that watching the pelican go will be very symbolic. Especially since I can actually say I definitely had a hand or two, very literally, in its recovery.

My last stop before leaving today was to visit in pen three. I said goodbye and good luck to my favorite little 630... okay and 698 too! They will get to go back to the ocean soon. But I will think of them often as they hold a special place with me in my heart.

To all of the wonderful staff and volunteers at SANCCOB...

Thank you so much for inviting me in to your world. You have been more than hospitable. I hope to return again one day. I know that whenever I come back I have true friends to come back to. I am blessed and grateful that each day I get to work with African penguins. I enjoy educating our guests on how they can help and hope that I give them a better appreciation of these amazing animals. But you all work on the front lines every day. You are trying your hardest to make things better for the sea birds of South Africa. Without dedicated individuals like you, I would hate to see what kind of world we would be living in. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. From all of us at Mystic Aquarium.