Landau, October 1, 2026
C H I L E
+++Research for survival+++
During the referenced period, several reports were submitted on research sponsored or supported by Sphenisco:
1. Investigations on foraging in November and December 2025 by Ursula Ellenberg (1), Maximiliano Daigre Valdés (2). See article "On the trail of the Humboldt penguins - fieldwork on the islands of Cachagua and Choros from 13 September 2026”.
2. Reproductive behavior and breeding success of the Humboldt penguin by Guillermo Luna-Jorquera (3), Nicolás Luna (3) (4), Karen Lau (3), Mylene Seguel (3) (5). See article "Breeding activity of the Humboldt penguin on the islands of Chañaral and Choros, 2021 to 2025" from 14 August 2026.
3. Migration of Humboldt penguins after the breeding season of M. Daigre (2), P. Arce (6) and A. Simeone (2) (6). See article "Satellite monitoring of Humboldt penguins during the breeding season on the island of Cachagua, central Chile" from 2 September. All report on this website.
+++Investigation of breeding success 2026/2027+++
At the end of August 2026, the University of Católica del Norte and the Sphenisco Foundation concluded an agreement to investigate breeding success on the islands of Chañaral, Choros and Tilgo. The 2026/2027 investigations are intended to document breeding success or its absence under El Niño conditions. This is a continuation of the “reproductive success monitoring program” launched in 2021. The project is headed by Dr. Guillermo Luna-Jorquera.
On September 30, the researcher announced "that we can start fieldwork. Our first excursion this season will take place next week." Hopefully, the scientists will find many penguins despite El Niño.
+++Fake news in the "Dominga" case+++
On August 30th, the company Andes Iron, through the Totoralillo Norte Fishermen's Association and the Community of Municipalities of La Higuera, disseminated that the path for its realization of the controversial "Dominga Project" was open. This disinformation was strongly opposed by civil society organizations organized in the Humboldt-Coquimbo-Atacama Alliance. Nancy Duman, spokesperson for the alliance, pointed out that communities have been facing controversies and lawsuits related to "Dominga" for more than a decade. "We communities are tired of trying to establish a reality that simply does not exist. After more than ten years of controversy, rejections and judicial questioning, Andes Iron once again announces that "Dominga" will be built as if nothing had happened. But the truth is that the judiciary has not yet spoken the last word". (see article of August 30 and 31 in the online newspaper El Comunal La Higuera https://www.elcomunal.cl/
+++Photo exhibition at CEAZA+++
At the beginning of July 2026, the photo exhibition "Let's Explore the Archipelago: Source of Life for Humanity" was opened at the Center for Environmental Education of the CEAZA (7). The exhibition in the center of La Serena was to be shown until 6 August. Due to a storm with heavy rain, it had to be cancelled and the exhibits brought to safety. Whether the exhibition can be shown again at the Centrer for Environmental Education is currently being clarified.
+++Pinguin Mobile+++
The environmental movement Camanchaca from Caleta Los Hornos, with the support of the Fundación Sphenisco Chile and sponsored by the Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven, has created a mobile center for information on the environment, culture and ecotourism. The aim is to promote sustainable tourism as an instrument of nature conservation in the municipality of La Higuera. The work has been completed. The opening or public inauguration was delayed by the July storms in Chile and is now scheduled to take place on October 9, 2026.
+++Guide "Learning to protect"+++
On 10 September, the Ministry of Environment of the Coquimbo region presented the guide "Aprender para Proteger" (Learning to Protect) to the public. At the event, Nancy Duman and Valeria Canto from the Fundación Sphenisco Chile spoke on the topic of "The Humboldt penguin and its habitat". They presented new studies and findings, addressed the sharp decline of the population and the consequent need to urgently expand protection.
+++Technical committee RECOGE plan founded+++
On 14 September, an online meeting was held to set up a committee of technical and political advisors to carry out the RECOGE plan "Humboldt Penguin". The invitation had been issued by Ignacio Díaz Hormazábal, Head of the Department for the Management of Protected Areas at CONAF (8). The invitation was accepted by 10 people, including Dr. Guillermo Luna Jorquera (Catholic University of the North-UCN), Nancy Duman and Valeria Paz Canto from the Fundación Sphenisco Chile. In the meeting, the state action structure for the RECOGE plan and the role of the committee were first presented. Subsequently, the participants jointly defined the purpose and priority tasks, minimum rules and mechanisms regarding membership as well as formalities of the committee. The committee plans to start its actual work shortly.
+++Red suits for penguins+++
Since August of last year, the rescue station in Coquimbo, northern Chile, has been caring for injured and sick marine animals. The renovation and operation until August 2026 was financed by Sphenisco with the support of the zoos in Dresden, Frankfurt and Halle. At the end of September, the operator, the NGO Conservación Humboldt, informed about the innovative project „BodyCobre® protective clothing" for penguins: "BodyCobre® is a therapeutic garment made of copper fibers that was originally developed for small animals. It serves as a physical barrier to protect wounds and sutures, reduces self-traumatization and reduces the need to repeatedly manipulate the animals during their recovery." With the project, the rescue station received great national and international attention. In Germany, Stern and the online magazine PETBOOK reported on it.
https://www.petbook.de/wildtiere/warum-pinguine-anzuege-tragen
+++Award for Sphenisco Chile+++
The Faculty of Marine Sciences of the Universidad Católica del Norte-UCN has awarded the Fundación Sphenisco Chile the status as a "Significant Institution" 2025. Every year on the day of its founding, the faculty recognizes students, teachers and organizations for their work and contribution to the university community.
This year, the Fundación Sphenisco Chile and with it the entire "Sphenisco family"was recognized for their commitment to the renovation and operation of the rescue station for marine animals in Coquimbo. The "Sphenisco family" carried out the rescue station in cooperation with the Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN), Sernapesca and the NGO Conservación Humboldt. The project was supported by the zoos in Dresden, Frankfurt and Halle.
On Facebook, Nancy Duman expressed her appreiation "for the award and for the fact that the university recognizes the joint work to protect our natural heritage." She further made it clear that the public honor encourages Sphenisco to continue its commitment to environmental education, the promotion of scientific research and the protection of the Humboldt Current's landmark - the Humboldt Penguin.
P E R U
+++ Binational Working Group Chile - Peru+++
On the initiative of the NGO Oikonos, the University Científica del Sur Lima (Dr. Carlos Zavalaga) and Sphenisco, scientists, NGOs and political leaders founded a binational working group (Chile – Peru) for the conservation of Humboldt penguins on August 24, 2026.
What triggered the event was the alarming decline in the population in Chile and Peru. The aim is to analyze the current situation of the Humboldt penguin in both countries, identify priorities for protection, improve coordination and cooperation, and promote scientifically sound measures. See article "Saving the Humboldt penguins together!" from 11 September 2026.
E U R O P E
+++New Managing Director+++
The application procedure "Managing Director" has been completed. The Board of Directors has decided in favor of Lisa Kern from Karlsruhe. Ms. Kern will take up her position on December 1, 2026. The applicant has a bachelor's degree in "Biology, Geography and Education" and is currently in the master's program. Before and during her studies, Ms. Kern was involved in zoo education and various species conservation projects for several years.
+++Penguin Day in the rain+++
On Saturday, August 1st, it was that time again: Penguin Day at Halle Zoo. Kathrin Ballenthin and Conny Spretke, supported by Renate and Christina from the Halle Zoo Society, informed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. about Humboldt penguins and the causes of the threats to their existence. Perhaps more correctly: wanted to inform. Until 3 p.m. it was pouring rain. Kathrin, Conny and Co. had to move the whole kit and caboodle and find shelter in the then empty elephant house. The refuge was a little "around the corner". Under these circumstances, only a few visitors were reached. At least a few donations were collected, which were topped up to 300 € by the zoo association. That was tough luck. Next year, we hope this great dedication will reach more viewers!
+++12. International Penguin Conference+++
From August 31 to September 5, 2026, the 12. International Penguin Conference took place on Phillip Island, Milawul, Australia.
The participants of the conference adopted the declaration "Penguins warn us of a rapidly changing planet". This declaration was endorsed by the IUCN Penguin Section (see article "Penguins warn us (...)" of 15 September). Sphenisco asks all members and friends to spread the important declaration.
Isa Karbstein and Volker Eggert presented a poster about Sphenisco's work at the conference and wrote an exciting report, which will be presented in two parts (see the contributions "12th World Penguin Conference 2026 Part 1 and Part 2" each 30 September 2026).
+++Species Conservation Day at Karlsruhe Zoo+++
"Fighting Extinction – We are fighting against species extinction" was the motto of the big Species Conservation Day at Karlsruhe Zoo on September 13, 2026. 41 organizations, countless committed people and a common goal: to make the protection of our biodiversity visible and to make a difference together. Of course, Sphenisco could not be missing from this event this year either. The offer to the zoo guests at the information booth directly at the penguin enclosure went far beyond a mere information offer. Jeannine Schützendübe from the Landau Zoo School had extensive and exciting material about the Humboldt penguin with her for the little zoo guests, which invited them to feel, experience and marvel. Materials such as feathers, eggs or skulls, touch boxes about the causes of threats or quizzes for a wide variety of age groups were not only well received by the children. Parents and grandparents were also amazed, puzzled along and learned a lot about the life of the Humboldt penguins, their acute threat and the work of Sphenisco. The most important take-home message, which in addition to Jeannine Schützendübe, Katja Resch, Nicole Bertram and Christina Schubert passed on to the zoo guests: even though a huge ocean and an entire continent separate us from Chile and Peru in Germany - everyone can contribute to the protection of the little tailcoat-wearers!
Christina Schubert
+++Donate, donate, donate+++
After the severe storms in July, Sphenisco called for donations for particularly needy people in the penguin community of La Higuera. Some members and friends followed the call and made it possible to buy other absolutely necessary things for daily use with the earmarked donations. Thank you very much for the solidarity!
In August and September 2026, the following people and institutions donated to Sphenisco's species conservation projects and the suffering "Penguin Community": Teresa Salentin, Louis Condit, Claudia Keidies, Kathrin Ballenthin, Timm Spretke, Dudley Zoo England, Marc Fälker, Maria Zintl, Hans-Joachim and Irene Schatz, Frankfurt am Main Zoo, Manfred and Susanne Weis, Andrea Rohr, Stefanie Zielke, Zoo Dresden, Ilko Jung and Jona Meis. A big thank you to everyone!
W.K.
Notes
For better readability, the generic masculine is used in this article. The personal names used in the article refer to all genders – unless otherwise indicated.
(1) Global Penguin Society, Tawaki Trust, University of Otago, New Zealand.
(2) Humboldt Penguin Research Group, Santiago, Chile.
(3) Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands, Department of Marine Biology, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile.
(4) ECOLAB, Animal Ecology, Nature Conservation and Science Communication, Research and Technology Centre, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.
(5) Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Alba, La Serena, Chile.
(6) Andrés Bello University (UNAB), Santiago, Chile.
(7) Center for Advanced Studies in Arid Zones (CEAZA). Zentrum für Studien in Trockengebieten, Coquimbo, Chile.
(8) Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF). German National Forestry Society in Chile, which is also responsible for nature reserves.
