This Friday, at the Secretary of State of Tourism, an open, educational and participatory proposal will take place to celebrate World Penguin Day, a charismatic species.
This Friday, April 25, World Penguin Day is celebrated and the Province is preparing an agenda of activities that blend science, art, environmental education, and play. Starting at 3 p.m., in the auditorium of the Tourism Secretariat, talks and activities organized by various provincial institutions and organizations working for marine conservation in Santa Cruz will take place.
“The idea arose from a conversation with Ana, from Por el Mar Foundation (PEM) —shared Marisol Espino, in charge of Protected Areas at the Provincial Agrarian Council—, knowing that this special date was approaching. We thought it was important to do something together to highlight the value of native species and the role of protected areas”.
The event will be an open invitation to learn more about penguins, a charismatic and sensitive species that is part of the Santa Cruz identity, especially in coastal towns like Puerto Deseado, San Julián, or the provincial capital.
Looking at the sea, going back to the origin
“We thought it was essential to give relevance to this day —explained Ana Fernández, PEM representative — because Santa Cruz is a privileged place to see penguins. We want people to not only know that they can enjoy watching them but also learn how to take care of them, why they are important for the ecosystem, and how we should behave when sharing territory with them”.
The day will start with a series of scientific and educational talks, including one by the Makenke Interjurisdictional Marine Park, another by UNPA through the Natural Resources Engineering program, a presentation by the Provincial Agrarian Council, and an exhibition by tour guide Sebastián Alvarado about the species that inhabit the province.
Later, starting at 5 p.m., there will be an art exhibition titled Portuaria, born from a collage workshop promoted by Por el Mar Foundation and the Secretary of State of Culture. “The exhibition reflects our coastal, marine, and Santa Cruz identity —Ana shared—. It includes Magellanic Penguins, sea lions, and, of course, penguins. It’s a beautiful work that deserved to be shared with the community”.
Santa Cruz has the Yellow-crested Penguin species
Playing to learn
In addition to art, there will be games and playful proposals for the whole family, organized by the Ambiente Sur Association, the Secretary of State of Environment, and other participating organizations. “Sometimes people are not fully aware of the impact their behavior has on the environment —Marisol explained—. Walking on a nest, riding a motorcycle on the beach, or disturbing a breeding area can be devastating for a charismatic and vulnerable species like the penguin”.
In that sense, she emphasized the importance of protected areas “that not only preserve natural spaces but also educate, invite us to reflect on how we adjust our behavior to not harm nature”.
The Global Penguin Society, which this year is collaborating for the first time with the Agrarian Council, will also present playful, educational, and informative material: booklets, videos, games, and other tools to continue bringing science closer to adults and children.
Volunteering in Cape Virgenes
As a closing of the day, a highly anticipated announcement will be made: the official launch of the environmental volunteering in the Cape Virgenes Provincial Reserve, with tasks involving trail refurbishment, signage, cleaning, and infrastructure improvement.
“We want to take advantage of the penguins having left to work quickly, before winter sets in —Marisol anticipated—. We need more hands, so we will open the call for volunteers. It is a project led by CAP with the support of UNPA, and we are very excited about it”.
The activity will feature continuous film screenings, presentations of the penguin photography contest, selection of winners, raffles, and surprises.
An event designed to learn about the charismatic species, celebrate, play, and above all, remember that the sea is also part of who we are. “There is a common goal that unites us —Ana concluded—: to stop turning our backs on the sea. The penguin is part of our identity, being a charismatic species. And this Friday, we will celebrate it as it deserves”.
The Icebreaker
