A real-life survival story straight out of hollywood
Picture this: You’re on location in one of Earth’s most dramatic settings—the wild shores of Patagonia, Argentina. You might think this remote backdrop would be pristine, but here’s the plot twist: plastic pollution has crashed this party, and our feathered stars are caught in the drama.
The All-Star Cast
At El Pedral Reserva, a UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary on Peninsula Valdes, we meet our headliners:
- A colony of 15,000 Magellanic penguins (rocking their signature black-and-white tuxedo look)
- Supporting cast: southern right whales, sea lions and elephant seals
- Special guest appearance by Lara Resnik, the reserve’s co-founder and wildlife champion
The Unexpected Villain
Even in this A-list location, plastic pollution is stealing scenes it has no business being in. The set is littered with:
- An ensemble of weathered bottles and mystery plastics
- Fish storage boxes playing where they shouldn’t
- Rogue ropes and lines causing havoc
Our Stars Under Pressure
The stats are shocking: A 2021 study revealed that half of the Magellanic penguins examined had accidentally eaten plastic. One unfortunate performer had consumed 21 pieces—that’s no way to treat a star! Resnik, our on-the-ground director, regularly witnesses these tuxedoed talents getting tangled in plastic props, particularly fishing lines that can lead to tragic endings.
“Every year before the penguins return from their feeding tour, we clean their stage,” Resnik shares. “But the contamination keeps coming back stronger each season.”
2024’s Celebrity Ambassador
That’s why we were proud to announce the Magellanic penguin as our 2024 International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC) featured performer! These charismatic birds are the perfect stars to spotlight why we need trash-free habitats.
JOIN THE FAN CLUB!
Remember: Every piece of trash you prevent or collect is like giving these amazing performers a standing ovation. Let’s make sure these stars keep waddling and swimming for countless seasons to come! Want to help our penguin stars? Here’s how to get in on the action:
- Be a cleanup hero this Plastic Free July
- Download our Clean Swell® app to track your impact: Apple and Google Play
- Sign up for the International Coastal Cleanup®
- Spread the word about plastic pollution’s impact on marine life
- Take action with Ocean Conservancy
