The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) will not be hosting its popular public festival for African Penguin Awareness Day due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, that does not mean this iconic species will not be celebrated at all this year. Watch an online celebration of African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday, 10 October 2020 at 10am as SANCCOB features an exclusive video of the release of rehabilitated African penguins on its Facebook Page.
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For nearly two decades SANCCOB has hosted a Penguin Festival event annually in Simon’s Town attended by thousands of local and international attendees. Each year on this special day, dedicated to the African penguin species, the organisation brings like-minded entities together and raises funds to support its conservation work.
SANCCOB rescues, rehabilitates and releases a variety of seabirds that have been injured, are ill or oiled, and young chicks abandoned by parent birds. 50% of annual seabird admissions are African penguins, an endangered species that is only found on the African continent.
The life-saving essential services by SANCCOB is enabled by donations and as with many NGOs, the financial strain of Covid-19 has affected funding in 2020. SANCCOB relies on donor funding and is in need of public support – your support. You can assist by making a donation toward African penguin and seabird conservation and your contribution will help cover the costs of veterinary care, specialised rehabilitation and the purchase of fish to feed the birds in SANCCOB’s care. If you fancy a special treat for yourself or someone dear then visit the online shop or adopt and name a penguin and you’ll find the perfect penguin-themed gifts.
Set your reminder to log on to SANCCOB’s Facebook Page at 10am on 10 October to watch as boxes are tipped at a Cape Town beach to release a number of African penguins after weeks of treatment and care. SANCCOB’s CEO, Dr Stephen van der Spuy, will share an address on the status of the species, the essential services SANCCOB provides and how public support makes it all possible, while acclaimed South African comedian, Nik Rabinowitz, will be the master of ceremonies at this intimate gathering.