The Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Cape Town is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers, with over 60,000 visitors annually. It is home to the endangered African penguin, also known as the Jackass Penguin, whose population is severely threatened due to developments and overfishing along the coastline. To protect the penguins and ensure the safety and convenience of visitors, Turnstar, a leading supplier of secure physical access control solutions, installed eight Trident turnstiles and three Pulse automatic special needs gates.
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony had multiple access points with an old access control system, which led to the possibility of overcrowding, queueing, and security vulnerabilities. Visitors could enter the viewing area without paying, putting the penguins’ safety and wellbeing at risk. Moreover, there was a lack of accessibility for people with disabilities, who had to maneuver through narrow gates or rely on assistance. These challenges required urgent attention and innovative solutions to enhance the visitors’ experience and safeguard the penguins’ habitat.
Turnstar’s team conducted a site assessment and designed a comprehensive access control plan that would address the specific requirements of Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. The solution involved installing eight Trident turnstiles that would provide secure and efficient entry and exit for visitors. The turnstiles are made of powder-coated 316 stainless steel that resists corrosion and withstands harsh marine environments, such as the one at the penguin colony. The turnstiles can be integrated with various access control systems, such as ticketing, biometrics, or RFID, depending on the park’s needs.
The Turnstar turnstiles and special needs gates proved to be a game-changer for Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, providing numerous benefits for both visitors and penguins. Firstly, the turnstiles significantly reduced the queueing time, enabling visitors to enter and exit the park quickly and conveniently. Secondly, the turnstiles enhanced the park’s security by preventing unauthorized access and monitoring visitor traffic in real-time. This ultimately resulted in increased revenues for the park. Thirdly, the special needs gates provided accessibility for visitors with disabilities or special needs, allowing them to enter and exit the park without any difficulties or delays. Lastly, the turnstiles’ robustness and durability make them a long-term investment for the park, with minimal maintenance requirements and maximum protection against vandalism or wear-and-tear.
The successful implementation of Turnstar’s turnstiles and special needs gates at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony has implications beyond the park’s boundaries. It sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives that balance visitor experience with wildlife protection, benefiting the community, the environment, and the economy. Moreover, it showcases the importance of partnering with reliable and innovative suppliers, such as Turnstar, who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of each project and provide tailor-made solutions that exceed expectations.
Turnstar’s turnstiles and special needs gates have made a significant improvement to the visitor traffic flow and security at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Cape Town. The project demonstrates how effective access control solutions can enhance the visitors’ experience while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the ecosystem. The success of this project has broad implications for sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation initiatives, serving as a model for future projects. If you are looking for secure and efficient access control solutions for your next project, Turnstar is the partner to trust.