A Heartwarming Call to Action: Help SANCCOB Protect and Rescue African Penguins

Something truly special is happening at SANCCOB, and the public is invited to become part of a powerful conservation story filled with hope, compassion, and second chances.

As one of South Africa’s leading seabird conservation organisations, SANCCOB continues its critical work to rescue, rehabilitate, and release endangered African Penguins and other seabirds. With African Penguin numbers declining at an alarming rate, every rescue, every donation, and every act of support plays a role in helping secure the future of this iconic species.

Recently, after heavy rains in early May 2026, fifteen abandoned African Penguin chicks were safely rescued and transferred to SANCCOB’s Gqeberha facility. Since their arrival, SANCCOB’s dedicated team has been providing around-the-clock specialised care, including warmth, feeding, medical treatment, health monitoring, and rehabilitation support to give these vulnerable chicks the best possible chance of survival.

The public now has the opportunity to become directly involved through SANCCOB’s heartwarming “Adopt A Chick” campaign.

For a donation of R600, supporters can symbolically adopt one of the rescued chicks and become part of its recovery journey. As part of SANCCOB’s Mother’s Day promotion, running until the end of May 2026, participants will also stand a chance to win one of two Terra Nova Spa vouchers.

Supporters can make EFT payments using the SANCCOB banking details provided, using the reference:
PE Adoption

Proof of payment, together with the chosen chick number and supporter name, can be emailed directly to:
jessicavd@sanccob.co.za

In addition to supporting penguin conservation, SANCCOB is also creating opportunities for families and animal lovers to connect with wildlife through education and awareness.

On Saturday, 4 July 2026, SANCCOB and Animals in Wonderland will once again team up to present a fun-filled Reptile Talk and Demonstration at SANCCOB, situated in the beautiful Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Gqeberha.

Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable experience featuring fascinating reptiles and birds, including Mia the wise Spotted Eagle Owl, Dash the majestic Harris Hawk, Bloo the friendly Blue Tongue Skink, and Rex the gentle Burmese Python.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 4 July 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: SANCCOB, Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Gqeberha 6001

Entrance Fees:
Adults – R100
Children under 12 – R50
Children under 3 – Free

Bookings can be made online at:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1586224316

SANCCOB is also inviting businesses, trusts, and individuals to become part of its 2026 Donor Board initiative.

This year’s Donor Board will proudly feature African Penguins representing the valued donors who make SANCCOB’s life-saving work possible. Donations of R5000 or more will qualify supporters to have their name, company name, or trust name displayed on the official SANCCOB Donor Board.

Those wishing to participate are encouraged to email jessicavd@sanccob.co.za to arrange donor board allocation.

For EFT donations, supporters should use the reference:
Donor Board (Name)

Alternatively, donations can be made online via:
https://donations.sanccob.co.za/?type=paypal&promo=0
Select: Gqeberha African Penguin Rescue Mission

Every rescued chick, every educational event, and every donation contributes towards conserving South Africa’s precious marine wildlife for future generations.

SANCCOB encourages the public to share this initiative far and wide and become part of a movement that brings hope to endangered seabirds one rescue at a time.