# Penguin Crisis Explainer

Audience: Families, media, supporters  
Age range: 12+

## The Crisis

African penguins are disappearing because multiple pressures overlap: food scarcity, habitat loss, heat stress, pollution, disease, disturbance, and weak policy enforcement.

## Why Food Security Matters

Adults need reliable access to sardines and anchovies while raising chicks. If prey is too far away, chicks can miss critical feeds.

## Why Habitat Matters

Safe, shaded nests protect eggs and chicks. Artificial nests and habitat restoration help restore some of the shelter lost through historic guano removal and modern heat stress.

## The Hope

The crisis is severe, but not beyond action. Coordinated policy, habitat, rescue, monitoring, education, and donor support can still improve recovery chances.