Proactive Care for Penguin Chicks

On 20 October 2025, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) admitted 32 African Penguin chicks into its nursery following a proactive rescue operation carried out in collaboration with CapeNature at the Stony Point penguin colony.

During the moulting season, adult penguins shed their waterproof feathers, rendering them unable to swim or hunt for food. As a result, some adults are forced to abandon their chicks before they are fully fledged and capable of feeding themselves — leaving them vulnerable to starvation and exposure.

Recognising the high risk of chick mortality, CapeNature and SANCCOB swiftly intervened, carefully removing the abandoned chicks from their nests. The SANCCOB team immediately stabilised the chicks before transporting them to the organisation’s seabird rehabilitation centre for veterinary assessment and intensive care.

All 32 chicks were emaciated and weak upon arrival and would not have survived without intervention. Through this early and coordinated rescue, SANCCOB and CapeNature have given these vulnerable chicks a vital second chance at life.

“Each chick represents hope for the future of the African Penguin population,” said a SANCCOB spokesperson. “This operation reflects the power of collaboration and the importance of acting swiftly to protect a species on the brink.”

The African Penguin is classified as Critically Endangered, with its population continuing to decline due to threats such as food scarcity, habitat degradation, and climate change. Efforts like these are essential to prevent further losses and ensure the species’ survival.

SANCCOB calls on the public to join the mission to protect this iconic seabird.
Support can be provided through penguin adoptions or donations, directly contributing to the ongoing care, rehabilitation, and release of rescued seabirds.

Adopt a Penguin: https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/

Donate: https://donations.sanccob.co.za/

Together, we can make a lasting difference for the Critically Endangered African Penguin, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience this treasured symbol of South Africa’s coastline.

For more information, please contact or visit SANCCOB Gqeberha:
Address: Marine Drive, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, 6011
Reception: +27 (0)41 583 1830
Emergency (After Hours): +27 (0)64 019 8936
Email: frontdesk@sanccob.co.za
Operating Hours: Open seven days a week, from 08:00 to 17:00