Vision and Goals
The African penguin is facing a conservation crisis, with populations plummeting due to food scarcity, habitat loss and extreme weather events. In South Africa, the Eastern Cape’s Algoa Bay islands are home to one of the last remaining strongholds of this endangered species but survival is not guaranteed. Our goal is to support and expand African penguin and seabird rescue capacity in Gqeberha, helping to ensure that vulnerable chicks have access to expert care during the region’s peak winter breeding season.
Through this initiative, we aim to:
- Boost chick survival rates,
- Support wild population recovery, and
- Contribute to long-term marine ecosystem resilience.
Future plans also include building a dedicated penguin and seabird hospital, a critical next step in strengthening regional conservation efforts.
Partners
This project is made possible through our partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, a globally recognized organization dedicated to seabird conservation. SANCCOB is the only organization in the world that incubates, hatches and hand-rears wild-origin African penguin eggs, playing a critical role in population recovery efforts.
Project in Action
Located within the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, SANCCOB Gqeberha plays a vital role in the rescue and rehabilitation of African penguin chicks. Each winter, the centre braces for an influx of displaced and abandoned chicks many separated from their parents on the nearby islands of Algoa Bay due to storms, cold snaps or poor nesting conditions.
With Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa’s support, SANCCOB’s team is equipped to manage the seasonal rise in admissions. Funding helps cover increased operational costs, including fish for feeding, veterinary supplies and essential rehabilitation materials. These resources help ensure that every chick has the best possible chance of survival and eventual release back into the wild.
