The Penguin Lady

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Treasure oil spill in South Africa. It's hard to believe it was that long ago!! It was the greatest privilege of my life to help manage this massive rescue and rehabilitation effort. The work was indescribably grueling - but also deeply rewarding. With the help of 25,000 incredible (and completely inexperienced) volunteers, we managed to save 95% of the 40,000 penguins impacted by this oil spill. In the end, the Treasure oil spill rescue was the largest and most successful wildlife rescue ever undertaken. And it still stands as such to this day. This rescue is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together and work as one.

This GBH Forum Network BostonTalks video is my favorite talk about this rescue effort. The theme for this event was 'heroes'. They invited me to share my personal and professional story, and billed me as an 'animal hero'. But I turned the spotlight on the 12,500 volunteers instead. Because THEY are the true heroes of this rescue effort! We truly could NOT have saved those 40,000 penguins without their help!! (My talk is last, and starts at 40:55 in.) 🐧

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okmtVCU0Hls

BostonTalks: Heroes WGBH Events hosts a discussion about heroes and heroines. Learn from Dr. Sarah Zaidan, Joel Christian Gill, and Dyan deNapoli about superheroes and culture, ...

Day 2 in Antarctica. Didn’t mind waking up to THIS view this morning!!! We are currently anchored at Danco Island - a spot that I love. More to come later on. (I’ve literally been too busy to post, but I promise my next post will include penguins. There may even be some adorable baby penguins!) Stay tuned!! 🐧😅