KBKaren BreitkreuzOff-the-route trips to South Africa, Belize and Europe

Cape Point Penguins: Myth Busted, Trust Found! #shorts

10 Sept 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:37

In this narrated YouTube short, a photographer recounts a visit to Cape Point where African penguins have made a beach their home since 1982. Despite a bustling tourist and student presence, the narrator seeks a non‑touristy photograph. After wandering the boardwalk, he discovers a quiet spot near a large boulder where a solitary penguin, seemingly fed up with the crowds, turns to look directly at him. In that brief instant, the surrounding noise fades and a moment of mutual trust is created between human and bird, highlighting the delicate balance of wildlife tourism and authentic wildlife photography.

Chapters

One honest note, because I don't do brochure-ness, this is not where the 2 oceans meet. The wind up here will blow your hat off and your thoughts with it. In 1982, 2 pairs of African penguins decided this beach was home. Now there are thousands of them here, living right next to the town. Everyone jostling for position. Cameras, shutters, chatter, elbows, It's a spectacle, and honestly, the penguins earned it. My students went off to explore and find food, and I did what I always do. I tried to find a spot where I could capture some good photographs. Tourists are not allowed on the beach, but the boardwalk rounds to both sides of it, so I explored to my heart's content. I let the crowd pulse past me, and just when I was about to give up on getting a A non-tourist-filled shot. I found a quiet corner near the rocks and waited. I spotted this little guy. He was tucked behind a massive boulder like it was a fortress wall. He looked like he'd had enough of the tourist experience too. Didn't move, didn't reach for the zoom. I just stood there. And then there was this singular, strange moment of trust. Ever so slowly, he turned around to look back at me. In that second, 200 people, the van, the students, everything went quiet. It was just me and him. He was just a living little creature checking me out, deciding I wasn't a threat.