Exploring Robben Island: How the Ghosts of the Past Haunt the Researchers of Today

Malorie Mackey recounts her experiences conducting penguin conservation research on South Africa's Robben Island, exploring how its haunting history, eerie landscape, and lack of environmental control can make even skeptical scientists feel as though they are encountering ghosts. Drawing on psychology research, she argues that stress, uncertainty, and our fear of the unknown help explain why supposedly haunted places can feel genuinely paranormal despite the absence of supernatural evidence. Read this article and find accompanying references at: skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/exploring-robben-island-how-the-ghosts-of-the-past-haunt-the-researchers-of-today/ About the Author: Malorie Mackey is an investigative journalist who studies anthropology with a specialization in mythology, occult studies, and folklore. As a member of the Explorers Club, host of the show and podcast Weird World Adventures, and creator of MaloriesAdventures.com, she is always excited to investigate the unknown. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/