Found a seabird? Contact our 24-hour Seabird Rescue Centre
ADOPT A PENGUIN CHICKAdopt & name an African
penguin chick and help
bolster the wild population
or adopt an egg or chick
undergoing rehabilitation
for release back into the wild
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VOLUNTEER
At the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), we have news to share of an incredible new development at our Table View centre in Cape Town.
The construction of a brand new Visitor Centre is SANCCOB’s newest capital project to fundraise for in 2020. Architectural plans and seed funding are already secured to build a multi-purpose facility that will house a new education room, souvenir shop, meeting room, coffee shop and upgraded entrance to receive visitors.
The development was conceptualised from the need to upgrade SANCCOB’s current education room to accommodate larger groups of learners, host training workshops and materialise an income generating initiative to become more self-sustainable. Our Education Department reached 5,540 school learners through its formal education programme in 2019 and a donation of just R200 (EUR11/USD12.50/GBP9.60) can support one learner to connect to marine wildlife in an inspiring, new learning environment.
Donate to the Visitor Centre and partner with us to provide an improved education experience on our premises.
While the all-new education room will be primarily used for hosting school groups and training during the day, it will also be made available for hire to other organisations for conferences, meetings and events on days where no educational activities are scheduled. The coffee shop will offer a beautiful scene, overlooking the Home Pen of resident birds and adjacent to the centre building, universally accessible ablution facilities will be installed. Funding a project such as this gives supporters the opportunity to make a broad-based impact that will benefit SANCCOB’s penguin and seabird rehabilitation for many generations to come. We invite you to be a part of that legacy, where your donation gives today and provides for tomorrow.
Support is also welcome in the form of donations-in-kind to help us equip the facility with modernised learning tools and event equipment for the coffee shop and venue hiring. Connect with SANCCOB’ Resource Development department to find out more or make a donation online to help us reach our campaign target of R150,000.00.
“Education is one of the pillars of SANCCOB’s vision to bring the concept of marine conservation into the lives of young people. The majority of children received at the centre via our education programme are Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) and learners from under-resourced communities, so the lessons and setting we provide is truly a life-changing experience. This newest building project was initially part of SANCCOB’s seabird hospital planning and with the hospital now opened since November 2018, we are excited to finally move forward,” says Sharnay Wagner, SANCCOB’s Education Supervisor.
SANCCOB is fortunate to have received pledged support from corporates and foundations, who will match or exceed other donation commitments and we know that together, we can realise this goal.
BE PART OF THE NEXT RESCUE
Last winter, caring supporters like you helped us save 30 oiled penguins and their 4 chicks from Bird and St Croix Islands.
The birds were taken to our seabird centre in Cape St Francis, where trained staff and volunteers washed, fed and cared for them for 4-6 weeks, while they regained their strength and the natural waterproofing of their feathers.
The chicks, which were less than three weeks old and weighed only 500 grams, were hand-reared at SANCCOB. All 34 birds were successfully released back into the wild.
WHAT WE DO
SANCCOB saves seabirds
Rescue
SANCCOB provides a 24/7 rescue service for sick and injured seabirds and abandoned chicks. We respond to oil spill disasters along the South African coastline.
Rehabilitation
SANCCOB is recognised internationally as a leader in the field of seabird rehabilitation. We treat 2500 injured, sick and oiled seabirds annually.
Chick Rearing
Our specialist chick rearing unit saves African penguin eggs and chicks that have been abandoned, for subsequent release back into the wild.
Oiled Wildlife Preparedness & Response
SANCCOB works with various stakeholders to ensure authorities take appropriate preparedness action to mitigate oil spill risks off the South African coastline and responds to oiled marine wildlife.
Education
We offer various engaging lessons for children and adults, including tours of the facilities, presentations and encounters with our Ambassador penguins.
Training
We offer 3 and 6 month internships for adults, as well as a zoo and aquarium keeper exchange programme and veterinary experience courses.
Research
Ongoing research increases our understanding of seabird species’ behaviour, diseases and other factors that impact on their long-term survival.
Penguin & Seabird Rangers
SANCCOB employs conservation staff in colonies in the Western Cape that are under the protection of conservation authorities to monitor seabirds, nests and habitats, and support critical research.
LATEST NEWS
On 26 November 2019, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) admitted 76 Crowned cormorant chicks…
Being equipped and ready to respond to an emergency situation concerning marine wildlife is not just about being prepared for…
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) will host its 17th annual Penguin Festival on Saturday,…
HOW TO HELP
FOUND A BIRD?
Call us any time of the day or night. SANCCOB is a 24-hour Seabird Rescue Centre and will respond to all seabirds in distress, including African Penguins, Cape Gannets, Terns, Cormorants, Seagulls, Oystercatchers, Albatrosses, Petrels, Pelicans and other marine birds.
Cape Town
Tel: +27 (0)21 557 6155
Tel: +27 (0) 78 638 3731 (after hours & weekends)
Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 (0)41 583 1830
Tel: +27 (0) 64 019 8936 (after hours & weekends)
Depending on the nature of the injury and the location of the seabird, we will dispatch one of our own Rescue Units, offer stabilisation advice or put you in contact with the nearest organisation that can assist.
What to do when you find an injured/sick/oiled seabird:
- Please approach any seabird with care – some, such as Cape Gannets and African Penguins, have sharp beaks.
- Have with you a towel or blanket and wear protection over your hands and eyes.
- Throw the towel or blanket over the bird to catch it, ensuring that the bird is able to breathe.
- Place the bird in a large box if you have one, after first ensuring that there are holes for air.
- Keep the bird in a warm quiet place until help arrives
