Welcome To The Southern African Foundation For The Conservation Of Coastal Birds

SANCCOB is a registered non-profit organisation with the primary objective to reverse the decline of seabird populations through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled seabirds – especially endangered species like the African penguin.

What We Do

Saving southern Africa's seabirds since 1968.

Rescue

SANCCOB provides a 24/7 rescue service for sick and injured seabirds and abandoned seabird chicks. We respond to oil spill disasters along the South African coastline.

Learn More

Rehabilitation

SANCCOB is recognised internationally as a leader in the field of seabird rehabilitation. We treat an average of 2,500 injured, sick and oiled seabirds annually.

Learn More

Chick Rearing

Our specialist chick rearing unit saves African penguin eggs and chicks that have been abandoned, for subsequent release back into the wild.

Learn More

Oiled Wildlife

SANCCOB works with various stakeholders to ensure authorities take appropriate preparedness action to mitigate oil
spill risks.

Learn More

Education

We offer various engaging lessons for children and adults, including tours of the facilities, presentations and interactive, learning programmes for school groups.

Learn More

Training

We offer 3 and 6 month internships for adults, as well as a zoo and aquarium keeper exchange programme and veterinary experience courses.

Learn More

Research

Ongoing research increases our understanding of seabird species’ behaviour, diseases and other factors that impact on their long-term survival.

Learn More

Penguin & Seabird Rangers

SANCCOB employs conservation staff in colonies in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape of South Africa that are under the protection of conservation authorities to monitor seabirds.

Learn More

Get Involved

Whether you donate time, talent, items or cash, you will assist SANCCOB to make a difference to the survival of the endangered African penguin and other seabirds in distress.

We are passionate about seabird conservation and invite you to partner with us.

Contact Us

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, gulls, Oystercatchers, Albatrosses, Petrels, Pelicans and other marine birds.

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. Gently 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.