SANCCOB is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO 003-134) whose primary objective is 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.
The organisation works closely with colony managers to identify birds in need of care in the wild and bring them to one of our two centres in South Africa: Cape Town (Western Cape) and Gqeberha (Eastern Cape).
What We Do
Saving southern African seabirds since 1968.

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
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 encounters with our Ambassador penguins.

Training
We offer 3 and 6 month internships for over 18 years of age, a zoo and aquarium animal professional experience 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 and Seabird Rangers
SANCCOB employs conservation staff in colonies in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape that are under the protection of conservation authorities to monitor seabirds.
Our Annual Report
"With each passing year, I am privileged to witness the awe-inspiring works of SANCCOB staff, interns and volunteers and this year in review, under the leadership of Natalie Maskell, has been a period of further development and success."
Dr Samantha Petersen - SANCCOB Chairperson 2021/2022
Mrs Inge Cilliers is the present Chairperson of SANCCOB, since 11 November 2022.
Current Vacancies
If you wish to join the SANCCOB team then keep a look-out for job advertisements here for Western Cape and Eastern Cape facilities.
Featured Videos
This video gallery is an easy way to access our YouTube uploads. Sometimes we will share videos of interest, captured by our staff, Penguin and Seabird Rangers or volunteers. We also often have the privilege of working with professional videographers and film makers, who dedicate their expertise and time to create short films of the critical conservation work we do, as well as of projects and programmes.