Found a bird? Contact our 24-hour Seabird Rescue Centre
or adopt an egg or chick
undergoing rehabilitation
for release back into the wild
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VOLUNTEER
oin us at Simon’s Town on Saturday, 10 November, to celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day!
Get to Seaforth Beach in time to witness the release of rehabilitated African penguins at 10h00. These birds have all been nursed back to health at SANCCOB’s seabird hospital in Table View – and watching them waddle down the beach back to a life of freedom in the ocean is incredibly moving.
After the penguin release, we’ll make our way to the Simon’s Town Navy Sports Field, situated right next to Seaforth Beach on Martello Road, for the rest of the festivities.
From kids and foodies to birders and conservationists, there’s something for everyone:
- kids’ activities (mini rides, inflatable obstacle course, face-painting, jumping castle)
- edutainment marquee
- marine conservation exhibitions
- a variety of food trucks & boerewors rolls
- craft beer & wine tent with music
General admission is FREE and entry into the Kids’ Zone is R50.
The annual Penguin Festival has become a favourite event for Capetonians and local and international tourists visiting the iconic Boulders Beach penguin colony. This year we welcome our partners – City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Branch, SANParks, CapeNature and Human Wildlife Solutions – who are celebrating with us.
This special day is dedicated to raising worldwide awareness about the plight of the endangered African penguin, the only penguin endemic to the African continent. All proceeds go to SANCCOB’s year-round African penguin conservation work.
So, whether or not you plan to be there, please consider making a donation towards our efforts to save the endangered African penguin.
For more information, contact us on 021 557 6155.
Fun for the whole family – all in support of your favourite cause, helping to save the endangered African penguin.
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.
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.
LATEST NEWS
Penguin Festival in Simon’s Town today SANCCOB hosts its 16th annual Penguin Festival in Simon’s Town on Saturday, 10 November,…
Cape St Francis volunteers and staff from left: Jeanette Muller, Penny Brown, Jane Coultas, Rhiannon Gill, Adele Cummings, Elaine Lester,…
During National Wills Week from 17 to 21 September 2018, you can get a basic Will drafted free of charge…
HOW TO HELP
FOUND A BIRD?
all 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
+27 (0)21 557 6155
+27 (0) 78 638 3731 (after hours & weekends)
PORT ELIZABETH
+27 (0)41 583 1830
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
