The Great Penguin Rescue

About The Talk:  In June 2000, an iron-ore carrier sank off the coast of South Africa’s Cape Town, spilling 1,300 tons of oil and threatening the survival of more than 75,000 African penguins living on nearby islands.  A massive rescue effort was quickly organized and more than 12,500 volunteers from around the world descended upon Cape Town to assist with the operation.  Nearly 20,000 oil-covered penguins were brought to local rescue centers, and another 20,000 were moved from the path of the approaching oil slick.  The ensuing rehabilitation of the oiled penguins took three months and over 556,000 hours of intense volunteer labor to complete.
 
This effort was historic in its size and scope, and represents the largest number of animals ever to be rescued during an environmental disaster.  Due to the tremendous international response to the crisis, 95% of the affected penguins were successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
 
About The Presenter:  This inspiring story will be presented by Dyan deNapoli, a former Senior Penguin Aquarist with Boston’s prestigious New England Aquarium, and a member of the international team of penguin experts who helped manage the care of the oiled penguins. Her award-winning book, The Great Penguin Rescue, recounts this extraordinary real-life adventure.  This critically acclaimed book was named a "Must-Read" Book in the 2011 Massachusetts Book Awards; selected as one of the best natural history books of 2010 by Library Journal; and received a Silver Award in the 2011 Nautilus Book Awards.  Dyan enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for penguins with children and adults of all ages through her educational company, "The Penguin Lady." She donates 20% of the proceeds from her book and from every public appearance to penguin rescue, research and conservation groups. 

Fine Print:  Talk will be held in the Meeting Room.  Doors open at 5:45pm.  Talk begins at 6pm.  Seating is limited.  The room is handicap accessible.  Light refreshments will be provided.  A door prize will be awarded.  Pre-registration is STRONGLY recommended as it aids the presenter and staff with planning.  Register by stopping by the Reference Desk; calling 978-640-4490 x 205; or by visiting the library's online calendar of events.  Talk is FREE thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library.  Talk is open to ALL.  Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  For those who are interested, a book signing will follow the event.