(Zoom Meeting ID: 847 6033 8190 / Passcode: 478260; click HERE to join)

Program: The Critical Endangerment of African Penguins

Presenters: Shannon and Kruger du Plessis

Join Shannon and Kruger for an engaging conversation about critically endangered African penguins. They often hear two surprised responses: “There are penguins in Africa?”; and “Oh, how cute!”

During this discussion, you’ll see charming images of these birds, discover why they might face extinction by 2035, understand the broader impact on the marine ecosystem, and learn why Shannon and Kruger are devoted to their survival. You’ll also hear about their collaboration with partners in South Africa and discover why you know a bit about African penguins if you’ve ever handled a chicken or met a donkey.

About Shannon and Kruger du Plessis

Shannon and Kruger du Plessis, co-founders of the KruShan Foundation, moved to Wimberley in July 2010 and are forever grateful for their 2013 graduation from the Texas Sages class of the Hays County Naturalists. This experience helped them avoid the mistake of mowing native grasses and removing trees from their 4.5-acre property, which attracts a variety of birds, including Golden-cheeked warblers, Painted buntings, Ladder-backed woodpeckers, various hummingbirds, occasional Red-shouldered hawks, and Northern Cardinals.

Their passion for environmental stewardship led them to become Climate Reality Leaders, trained by Al Gore, to deepen their understanding of climate change. Shannon and Kruger are dedicated animal lovers and biodiversity advocates who gently relocate any critters that enter their home—although Shannon is still working on her fear of scorpions. Shannon was instrumental in having The Wimberley Valley designated as an International Dark-Sky Community by Dark Sky International.