63. Protecting the World's Penguins with Pablo Borboroglu
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**This episode first aired in April 2020. **
When Pablo Borboroglu released his first rehabilitated penguin back into the wild 30 years ago, he saw the ability that one person has to make a difference. Holding steadfast to this belief, he has since become one of the greatest voices for these animals. And, facing threats both on land and in water, they need it. Through the Global Penguin Society, Pablo uses scientific research to help guide conservation actions that have not only protected penguins but have also benefitted many other species that they live among as well as local communities. His enthusiasm for this work is palatable and he uses it to inspire thousands of people to become stewards for these animals too. Pablo is a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Whitley Gold Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, and various other accolades. Though, what’s even more impressive, is all that penguins have gained because of him.
Highlights from our talk:
1:51) Some surprising penguin facts
4:28) Threats on land and in the water
11:14) Illegal trafficking of penguins
12:41) Why does Pablo feel like he has the power to make change
19:34) How has he dealt with pushback from local communities against his conservation actions
25:52) How he has overcome feeling discouraged at times
31:12) What's his biggest challenge now
What YOU can do to help penguins:
- Take an ecotourism trip to see penguins. This helps local communities economically benefit from the presence of these animals and support their preservation.
- Be a citizen scientist from your own home! Help scientists know when there changes in population, survival, and breeding through participating in Penguin Watch.
- Pablo has seen a huge uptick in the presence of plastic in penguin habitats that comes from near and far. Help by decreasing your use of single-use plastic and recycling.
- From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, try your best to make sure its origin and end are both sustainable.
- Microplastics are increasingly becoming a problem as they make their way up the marine food chain. Help decrease the microplastics that escape from your laundry by using a Guppy Friend.
- Help Pablo and the Global Penguin Society accomplish their work with a donation (through the Wildlife Conservation Network).
Mentioned in the Episode:
Oceans on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
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What difference for the world are you going to make today?