Working with penguins in the wild

What is an African Penguin?

The African Penguin, also known as the "jackass penguin" due to its braying call, is a unique species found along the southern coast of Africa. They can swim up to 12mph. An average dive of an African penguin lasts 2.5 minutes, and is regularly about 98 ft in depth, although depths of up to 426 ft have been recorded.

These charismatic birds are the only penguin species that breed in Africa, making them a vital part of the local marine ecosystem. Sadly, their population has plummeted in recent years, leading to their reclassification as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, overfishing, oil spills, and climate change are significant threats to their survival. Without intervention, these iconic birds could face extinction in our lifetime.

What is SANCCOB?

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of seabirds, with a particular focus on the African Penguin. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, SANCCOB has been at the forefront of conservation efforts for over 50 years. Each year, the sanctuary cares for thousands of injured, sick, and abandoned seabirds, striving to give them a second chance at life in the wild. SANCCOB also engages in vital research, education, and advocacy to address the root causes of population decline.

Supporting SANCCOB

In December, the SEA LIFE team visited the SANCCOB sanctuary in Cape Town, South Africa, working alongside their dedicated team to care for injured and sick birds. Our efforts are focused on rehabilitating these birds with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.

Alongside the SANCCOB team, SEA LIFE experts help with tasks such as feeding the penguins, cleaning their enclosures, and assisting with medical checks. This hands-on work not only aids in the recovery of individual birds but also contributes to the broader conservation of the species. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and one that aligns with our commitment to wildlife conservation.

Back here in the UK, our colonies of Gentoo penguins in London and Birmingham serve as ambassadors for their critically endangered cousins. While Gentoo penguins thrive in colder climates, their presence helps us raise awareness about the plight of species like the African Penguin and inspires action to protect them.

How can you support penguins in the wild?

Saving the African Penguin requires collective effort, and there are many ways you can contribute to their survival:

• Support conservation groups like SANCCOB by donating or volunteering your time.
• Choose sustainable seafood to reduce overfishing, which depletes the penguins’ primary food sources.
• Reduce single-use plastics to prevent pollution in marine environments.
• Lower your carbon footprint by opting for public transport, cycling, or walking instead of driving.

Every small change adds up, and together we can ensure a brighter future for these incredible birds.

Donate to SANCCOB

Your support can make a significant difference in the fight to save the African Penguin. Donations to SANCCOB fund essential operations such as bird rehabilitation, environmental education, and habitat restoration. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly pledge, your contribution helps provide food, medical care, and a second chance for countless seabirds.

Click below to donate to SANCCOB and make a difference today.

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Together for penguins

The African Penguin is a symbol of resilience and adaptability, but they need our help to survive. By supporting SANCCOB and making eco-friendly choices in your daily life, you can join the fight to protect these remarkable birds. Together, we can make a difference for the future of penguins and our planet.