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.
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.
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
SANCCOB works with various stakeholders to ensure authorities take appropriate preparedness action to mitigate oil
spill risks.
Education
We offer various engaging lessons for children and adults, including tours of the facilities, presentations and interactive, learning programmes for school groups.
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 and Eastern Cape of South Africa that are under the protection of conservation authorities to monitor seabirds.
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.
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.
Thanks To Our Generous Sponsors And Partners
SANCCOB is proud to be associated with organisations, foundations, aquariums, zoos and zoological societies around the world, working together to ensure the survival of southern Africa’s seabirds and contributing to a healthier marine environment.
Latest News Articles
Education and Visitor Centre Construction underway at SANCCOB Cape Town
At SANCCOB Cape Town, construction of an Education and Visitor Centre is underway to offer ...
African penguin resightings at De Hoop Nature Reserve post-release
Following the recent installation of a ground reader to detect microchipped African penguins, five African ...
Media statement issued by the South African Government announces 10-year fishing limitations to protect the African penguin
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT The Minister of the Department ...
Researchers respond to Daily Maverick’s Opinionista by Dr Andrew Jenkins
You might have seen the article recently published in the Daily Maverick, “As African Penguins ...
Floods threaten survival of African penguins
The recent heavy rain has caused flooding of African penguin nests, resulting in parents abandoning ...
SANCCOB responds to oiled wildlife affected by Astron Energy diesel spill in Table Bay Nature Reserve
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) has responded to diesel ...
SANCCOB to upgrade Chick Rearing Unit in Cape Town to incubate and hand-rear African penguin eggs and chicks
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is currently fundraising to ...
Double-up the love with SANCCOB’s 2-for-1 Penguin Adoptions
SANCCOB’s annual 2-for-1 penguin adoption promotion has launched, and you can get an early start ...
SANCCOB carries out first African penguin release of 2023 amidst Avian Influenza response
On Sunday, 8 January 2023, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds ...
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Outbreak at SANCCOB Cape Town
Positive cases of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in African penguins ...
Find Us
SANCCOB has two facilities located in Cape Town (Western Cape) and Gqeberha (Eastern Cape).
