Found vulnerable and underweight in a pipe, this tired penguin was rescued just in time and is receiving all the care he needs to complete his gruelling moult and return to the ocean.
Cape Town, South Africa (09 March 2026) – Last week, marine wildlife enthusiast, Martine Viljoen, and her team from the SANCCOB Saves Seabirds responded to a rather unusual rescue when an African penguin chose an unexpected spot – inside a pipe – to settle during its moult.
“During their catastrophic moult, penguins don’t enter the ocean to feed, relying entirely on fat reserves built beforehand,” shares Martine.
“On assessing, this individual appeared underweight, suggesting it may not have sufficient reserves to complete its moult in good condition.”
Unlike most birds that replace feathers a few at a time, penguins undergo an intense moult on land, replacing their entire plumage all at once so that they can grow a new, dense, interlocking layer of feathers to stay dry and warm in frigid waters.
Knowing the potential serious consequences the bird could face, the SANCCOB team received assistance from the V&A Waterfront sweeper vessel team, which made all the difference in guiding it to its unusual resting spot.
They carefully accessed the pipe over the water and guided the penguin safely towards them until it was finally out.
“Once in hand, we returned by sweeper boat, placing the penguin safely into a rescue box, for the SANCCOB driver to come through to collect,” Martine explains.
She assures that at SANCCOB Saves Seabirds this tired fellow will be able to regain the necessary weight and healthy condition. Once its moult is complete, it can be released back into the wild where it belongs.
“A good reminder that sometimes wildlife chooses the most unexpected places to rest, and that teamwork is often what makes these rescues possible,” shares Martine in appreciation of all those who played a part in the collaborative effort.
SANCCOB also extended ot gratitude to its ambassador, Martine and the team who made it possible to bring this African Penguin in need to its facility for care, rehabilitation and eventual release.
“Teamwork really is what makes so many life-saving rescues, like this one, possible.”
Sources: Martine Viljoen | SANCCOB Saves Seabirds
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