Could one of these penguins be yours?
If you ‘adopted’ a penguin at SANCCOB recently, it could well be among the 23 rehabilitated birds released back into the wild at Stony Point last Thursday.
The birds were among 495 abandoned African penguin chicks to be admitted to our two seabird centres in Table View and Cape St Francis. Most of the birds came from Betty’s Bay and St Croix Island, after being rescued by Cape Nature and SANParks Marine Rangers from the Addo Elephant National Park.
During this busy season, SANCCOB welcomes experienced staff from international zoos and aquaria who assist with the rehabilitation of these endangered birds. The additional support is critical to the success of the programme. Francois Louw, SANCCOB’s Fundraising and Marketing Manager said, “It takes a huge amount of dedication and hard work to make sure that each chick receives the best care possible. As a non-profit organisation, SANCCOB is extremely grateful for the assistance that we receive from our zoo and aquaria partners from across the world.”
Kirsten Hannigan, Senior Trainer of Mammals and Birds at Georgia Aquarium (United States of America), was one of the team who participated in the penguin release. She added, “Having the opportunity to assist in the release of 23 African penguins yesterday was the experience of a lifetime. I have dedicated my career to caring for African penguins and educating people in the importance of conserving this amazing species. Working for Georgia Aquarium gives me the opportunity to work with SANCCOB and experience first-hand the incredible work they do to save this species.”
As well as our partners, we thank all those who ‘adopted’ a penguin – helping to provide food and care for the chicks for six to eight weeks until they are mature enough to survive on their own in the wild. We hope you feel a warm sense of satisfaction knowing your bird is healthy and free, with every chance of the good life nature intended for it.
If you would like to ‘adopt’ one of the remaining chicks, please click here.