A Family Adventure with a Purpose: Discover African Penguins at SANCCOB and Support Their Future
As parents, we are always searching for meaningful experiences that bring joy and education to our children. One such experience awaits at SANCCOB’s Seabird Hospital, where families can learn about the incredible African penguins while supporting a vital cause that resonates with us all—caring for the next generation.
The African penguin, with its distinct black-and-white feathers and endearing waddle, is native to South Africa and Namibia’s coastline. These charming birds play a crucial role in our marine ecosystems, but sadly, they are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, reduced access to fish stocks, and environmental threats. With just 8,300 breeding pairs left in South Africa, their population is decreasing at an alarming rate of 7.9% per year. Thanks to SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) situated in Cape Town’s Westcoast suburb of Table View a team of researchers and volunteers from all over the world dedicate their time to saving these wonderful creatures. Founded in 1968 by Althea Westphal, a concerned citizen who recognized the need for organized efforts to protect coastal birds affected by oil spills at that time. SANCCOB is the only organization in the world that artificially incubates and hatches wild-origin African penguin eggs and hand-rears the chicks for release back into the wild, aiming to bolster the declining wild population. Their specialized Chick-Rearing Unit (CRU) raises rescued or abandoned penguin chicks, ensuring they have the best chance to survive and be released back into the wild. On average, SANCCOB receives 500 to 600 abandoned or rescued African penguin chicks and 300 to 400 penguin eggs annually.
After massive fund-raising efforts construction on the new CRU is about to take place but is needing one final fundraising push. The CRU is a lifeline for hundreds of penguin chicks but the demand for space and resources continues to grow as threats to the species increase. Visiting SANCCOB’s Seabird Hospital is an excellent first step in introducing your family to the world of African penguin conservation, but there are many ways to contribute beyond the tour. Here’s how:
- Donate to Expand the Chick-Rearing Unit: Help SANCCOB create more space for orphaned penguins by donating online or during your visit.’
- Adopt a Penguin: Families can symbolically adopt a penguin through SANCCOB’s adoption programme.
- Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to visit SANCCOB and raise awareness about the plight of African penguins.
- Sign the OnlyOne petition to help save the African Penguin here, and watch a new campaign video narrated by ocean conservationist, Zandi Ndhlovu here
Book your tour today and let your family’s adventure be part of the solution! For more information on booking tours and how to donate, visit SANCCOB’s website www.sanccob.co.za or contact them directly at 021 5576155 or via email at info@sanccob.co.za.
