"seagulls look like footballs with heads"

Finally I have some time to actually sit down and write a proper update. We’ve been pretty disconnected from the rest of the world since the first night we were here our power exploded and destroyed Michaelle’s power cord for her computer. I made that sound way more dramatic than it actually was, but there was a definite loud pop followed by complete darkness followed by utter confusion and resulting in a non-functional power cord that rattled. Bad. Anyway, yesterday we finally replaced the cord, figured out that we can use the wireless connection at the lab where we’ll be spending a lot of time, and also procured an old cell phone with a pay-as-you-go plan that we can use for local calls in case of strandings- both for us being in need of rides and so that we can be called in to collect samples if a penguin comes in while we’re not at the lighthouse. That is why my last entry was so rushed- had to squeeze it in while at in internet café in St. Francis Bay and our ride was waiting on us. I did enjoy the ability to remain in the present moment without having to worry or consider connecting with the outside world, but it’s nice to be able to do so when I so choose. And I really want to update y’all about the penguins!!

So for the past four mornings Michaelle and I have gone to the lighthouse to help with the feeding of the penguins. They all have to get certain meds in the mornings so it’s important that they all eat and important to keep track of their consumption. I have a feeling that our hands will perpetually smell of dead fish for the next few months. New incoming penguins are kept separate in the hospital until they have been rehydrated, are eating properly and have had all of their wounds treated. There is a penguin currently in the ICU that has a wound that goes straight through his body. Like you can stick a probe in one side and it will come out the other. Just about his left leg. Craziness. He seems to be doing well though. Another one just came in the first day we were there and I named her Ray. She’s the first one that we’ve gotten to examine blood smears and fecal flotations on (that’s what we spent most of this afternoon doing).

I think my favorite part of being at the lighthouse is getting to know all of the individual penguins (there are 22 there currently). Each and every one of them has such a distinct personality! There are three Rock-hoppers (Michaelle’s favorites I gather from the squeeing that happens over them…) and the rest are African penguins. A few of them are blind either in one or both eyes and, sadly, none of those will be releasable. The blind ones are the absolute cutest though. Stevie and Adri have been two that have definitely already weaseled themselves into my heart. Adri especially. The first day we were there she just hung around my legs, putting her wings around my calf, messing with my shoes. She can’t see so she follows people’s voices. She followed me all around the outdoor pen this morning, would put her head in my lap when I crouched down and even shoved her head up under my shirt in a playful gesture. Oh I could take her home!! I have a feeling she’ll be the hardest for me to leave when we go. Such a sweetheart!! Especially compared to a few of the other penguins who are just plain mean and will bite your hand off. Guess I can’t blame them though… I probably wouldn’t want some human messing with me either. They don’t know we’re trying to help them.

Both Michaelle and I are definitely looking forward to getting to know the penguins better and getting to do more work with them. As our landlady said this evening “Neither of you have been bitten or pooped on yet?! Oh you haven’t truly worked with the penguins yet then!” I absolutely can’t wait :)

P.S. Our mailing address will be the PO box of the woman who runs the lab, so PO Box 223, St. Francis Bay 6312, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Letters, cards, care packages, etc are more than welcome!!