SANCCOB launches building fundraiser
After years of essential services to rescue and rehabilitate African penguins and other seabird species in southern Africa, our renowned Cape Town centre is in need of some rehabilitation of its own.
The current building, situated next to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, has been home to SANCCOB for 33 years of its nearly 50 years of existence. Seed funding has been secured from the National Lotteries Commission for construction to begin on a brand new seabird hospital in March 2017, and SANCCOB has launched a ‘Donate-a-Brick’ fundraising drive to raise the additional funds needed to complete the building project by October.
Approximately 2 500 ill, injured, oiled and abandoned seabirds are admitted to the centre every year, of which half are endangered African penguins – the only penguin species endemic to the African continent. The centre also welcomes about 130 local and international volunteers, more than 4 000 visitors and tourists, and more than 2 400 learners on its premises every year.
Dr Stephen van der Spuy, Executive Director of SANCCOB, says, “We have a shortfall of funds to complete this much-needed building project to establish a state-of-the-art seabird centre. As one of the biggest developments in SANCCOB’s nearly 50-year legacy, we hope that the public will join us in building a better future for southern Africa’s seabirds.”
The new centre will include, among other things: two new Intensive Care Units; a three-part wash bay area to wash, rinse and dry oiled birds; a classroom for the centre’s growing educational outreach; a surgery, an X-ray room, pens and preparation areas; an aviary; three new pools; and a laboratory – all geared towards enabling SANCCOB to save more seabirds in the years ahead.
Members of the public, organisations and business are invited to Donate a Brick – or bricks – online, or by contacting SANCCOB’s Campaign Manager, Tamlyn Hardy, on (021) 557 6155 or email tamlyn@sanccob.co.za.
You can also choose to help by sponsoring necessary building materials or hosting a fundraiser for SANCCOB.
During the construction period, our Cape Town centre will not be able to accommodate tours or educational visits for learners. However, our Cape St. Francis centre is unaffected by the building works and remains available for tours.