FOUND A SEABIRD? Contact our 24-hour Seabird Rescue Centres
Cape Town: +27 21 557 6155 or +27 78 638 3731 After Hours | Gqeberha: +27 41 583 1830 or +27 64 019 8936
The South African Government provides all South Africa’s latest news and updates on Coronavirus at www.sacoronavirus.co.za.
or adopt an egg or chick
undergoing rehabilitation
for release back into the wild
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VOLUNTEER
African penguins are part of our heritage in South Africa; they need our support and they need YOU! In 2020 we launched our very first Virtual Penguin Run and it will continue to be our annual initiative to connect with our global supporters.
Join Us!
In South Africa, we celebrate Heritage Day annually on 24 September and we invite everyone to show their solidarity and get behind us in our quest to save the African penguin. You can run, walk, turn on your treadmill, or waddle a 5km distance on 24 September wherever you are in the world. Do this in your best black and white or penguin-themed outfit and stand a chance of being one of ten lucky participants to receive a penguin adoption, where you can name one of the iconic feathered birds in our care.
How to sign up
All you need to do is post your photo on Facebook and/or Instagram and tag SANCCOB using hashtag #VirtualPenguinRun2021 or send your visuals to marketing@sanccob.co.za by midnight GMT+2 on 24 September 2021. Find SANCCOB on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SANCCOBSavesSeabirds/ or on Instagram @SANCCOB. The more participants we have, the more penguin bellies will be fed, so encourage everyone you know to donate just R50 each to be a part of this initiative.
Donate your R50 here and select ‘Virtual Penguin Run’ from the list of projects then start planning your outfit.
All funds raised go toward SANCCOB’s conservation work. Since 2014, Algoa Bay penguin colonies in the Eastern Cape have lost more than 70% of their breeding birds. The Western Cape population, historically the strong hold of the species, is also suffering a 10% loss per annum and a recent census has revealed that there are just over 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild in South Africa. If the current population decline continues, the African Penguin could be functionally extinct on South Africa’s west coast in 14 years. This means that there will be too few penguins in the wild to maintain sustainable population levels.
Every bird counts and we’re counting on you! Help SANCCOB save seabirds!
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
The SANCCOB Board of Directors has appointed Natalie Maskell to lead SANCCOB and with nine years as Chief Operating Officer…
African penguins are part of our heritage in South Africa; they need our support and they need YOU! In 2020…
On Friday, 20 August 2021 an emergency rescue operation has taken place on Bird Island in the Eastern Cape of…
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)
Gqeberha
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
