Last of its kind - by Manar Elkebir - Episode 2

Описание: Darwin Leader: Manar Elkebir (Tunesia)
Project Title: Last of its kind - Episode 2 of 3
Filmed and edited: Willem van den Heever
Location: Gansbaai, South Africa
View all episodes via www.darwin200.com/leaderboard

Before this journey, I had never seen a penguin in my life. In this thrilling three-episode documentary project, I take you along on my journey as I follow the story of a critically endangered species: the African penguin.
Through this documentary, I aim to shed light on the drastic decline of Spheniscus demersus, a species found only in South Africa and Namibia. Through fieldwork at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Gansbaai, and interviews with local experts, I document how history, human exploitation, overfishing, and climate change have pushed this species to the edge—resulting in a 99% population decline.
At the same time, with captivating imagery and first-hand stories, the documentary highlights the critical work being done at APSS to protect the species—bringing hope through rehabilitation efforts, artificial nests, and community-led conservation initiatives.
This project aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and advocate for urgent conservation action. It is a call to protect not just the African penguin, but the future of marine biodiversity as a whole.