Patagonia: Torres del Paine Expedition Dispatch
October 30, 2015 – Visiting the Magellanic Penguins at Magdalena Island
In 1966 the Pinguinos monument at Magdalena Island was founded in an effort to protect the Magellanic penguin. Due to over fishing of their food source, the islands penguin’s number are decreasing. The area is now claimed a no-fishing zone to offer more food opportunities to the penguins. So important that the Magdalena Island is a protected area for the penguins, they use it for nesting. Penguins are still considered an endangered species.
We left Punta Arenas to Laredo Pier, where we took our boat to Magdalena Island
A boat ride to Los Pinguinos National Park at Magdalena Island
Doug and Andrew arrive to explore, cold windy day indeed
Nesting grounds for the penguins
A resting penguin
Avoid getting too close
Celebration with a couple of beers back in Punta Arenas