Penguin Pals

THE South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (Samrec) in Nelson Mandela Bay understands that responsible tourism creates better places for people to live and visit.

And in an attempt to make sure this happens, the Samrec team devotes its time to creating a must-see tourism product that offers more than visitors an experience worth writing home about.

Samrec in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve not only rescues and rehabilitiates marine life, it also informs and educates the public through various tours and guided hikes.

“We are a team, all working together to rescue our endangered African Penguin and at the same time provide an interactive visitor experience. However, the task of creating an awesome tourist opportunity for our visitors is paramount. We need the public to know that Nelson Mandela Bay is not only concerned about its environment, but is prepared to look after and reserve it,” said Samrec general manager Libby Sharwood.

The unique team is made up mostly of volunteers who go above the call of duty for the city’s endangered species through normal daily activities such as cleaning feeding and looking after the animals, but also include volunteers who educate and assist in tours.

“We have been open since 2000 relying totally on volunteers and have been extremely fortunate in this aspect. The team is passionate and enthusiastic about the cause and always willing to help where they can. One of our volunteers is retired and available at any time to conduct tours around the centre. He has a ‘wicked’ sense of humour and takes a delight in teasing the visitors or introducing the younger ones to our Mouse House,” said Sharwood.

The team comprises about 30 volunteers who work shifts to maintain the centre and look after the tuxedoed birds. Sharwood said it’s impossible to single out only one volunteer, as everyone’s contribution and effort are so important to the centre, “each and every volunteer has made our work here a little lighter and made a difference in creating awareness about the importance of preserving our environment and its unique animals”.

“There is a mother and daughter duo who arrive early and regularly ready for a day of scrubbing, preparing fish and feeding birds. Then, a women from Pretoria, who popped in to see what we do, is now here everyday, rain or shine. Each penguin is treated as her special bird and she gives it plenty of tender, loving care,” said Sharwood

“To see how committed Samrec and its volunteers are in taking care of some of our city’s most precious endangered species brings one a sense of pride. Not only are they conserving and protecting the environment, but in the process educating and sharing it with visitors, both local, national and international. It goes without saying that this is a deed worth rewarding, which is why they were nominated,” said NMBT CEO Mandlakazi Skefile.

One of the best times to visit is at 14:30, when you can watch as the dedicated volunteers and staff feed the penguin patients. The Flying Penguin coffee shop offers light meals from where you can also view the feeding of the animals. For larger bookings phone 041 583 1830.

If you would like to help out or visit the centre, you can find them in a reserve just past pine lodge. They open to the public from 9:30 to 17:00 at an admission fee of R15 for scholars and R25 for adults.