The dedicated SANCCOB team celebrated the major success of releasing 11 African Penguins back into the ocean over the weekend, offering a touching symbol of hope for these critically endangered species.
Cape Town, South Africa (13 October 2025) – After days, weeks and months of rehabilitating critically endangered African Penguins, the SANCCOB team released 11 of them back into the ocean, beautifully coinciding with African Penguin Awareness Day!
Observed globally on the second Saturday of October, the global initiative seeks to raise awareness on the urgent need to protect the endangered penguin species.
Once found in the tens of thousands, the African Penguin is now critically endangered, with fewer than 8,750 breeding pairs remaining in South Africa. At Stony Point, the population has plummeted by nearly 50% in just one year – a grim warning that extinction of the African Penguin could come as soon as 2035, reports partner organisation, CapeNature.
But not all hope is lost. The inspiring and heartwarming Saturday morning saw Rehabilitation Manager, Jade and the SANCCOB team bid farewell to 11 of these resilient seabirds, one of whom had been in their care for over 500 days!
“Moments like these remind us of the vital responsibility we hold to protect and preserve our seabirds,” SANCCOB Saves Seabirds said.
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The successful release inspires us to reflect on the urgent need to protect this beloved species – the only penguin native to Africa and a vital indicator of ocean health.
Through conservation, rehabilitation, and education efforts, there is a future for these seabirds.
You can help save seabirds by attending SANCCOB Gqeberha’s Open Day on 18 October 2025 to learn more about their volunteer and internship opportunities.
As part of ongoing efforts, CapeNature and SANCCOB are also inviting the public to Penguin Palooza on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at Stony Point Nature Reserve. This is a free event where you can learn more, enjoy family-friendly activities, and witness the release of rehabilitated penguins back into the wild.
If you can get involved, join the movement because every penguin saved is a step toward restoring balance to our marine ecosystems.
Sources: SANCCOB Saves Seabirds | CapeNature
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