In the last week alone SANCCOB has released 27 penguins back into the wild!
South Africa (21 April 2026) – The two recent releases were made by SANCCOB’s teams in the Western and Eastern Cape.
The first release took place at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay, where ten rehabilitated African penguins are now back where they belong after weeks of care.
Each of these penguins had been through the system of being rescued, stabilised, rehabilitated, and built back up to full strength. They finally waddled back into the wild days ago.
“After weeks of care, from rescue through to rehabilitation, these penguins were finally strong enough to return to the ocean. For many of the volunteers, seeing them take those first steps back into the wild is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.” shared the organisation.
The second release took place on Bird Island Marine Protected Area just off the coast of Gqeberha, where SANCCOB successfully set 17 birds free, 11 of which were chicks rescued from flooded nests in February and have since grown into fledglings ready to return home!
Sadly, African penguins are Critically Endangered with fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild. Their numbers have dropped over the years largely due to food shortages linked to overfishing, as well as oil spills and ongoing pressure on their breeding colonies.
SANCCOB’s work – with centres in both Cape Town and Gqeberha – is vitally important in reversing the decline of the species.
Every bird that comes through their doors is assessed and cared for, a massive responsibility carried by dedicated teams of veterinarians and volunteers. Currently, hundreds of penguin chicks are being hand-raised in the seabird nursery. Each one is fed and monitored closely as they grow their waterproof feathers.
“While we are making progress in slowing the decline of African Penguins, it is not enough. The real goal is recovery and a future where these birds can thrive once again in our oceans.”
Each and every single release is worth celebrating. If you’d like to support SANCCOB and the work they do, or if you’d like to become a volunteer to help them in their mission, find out more by following this link.
Sources: Linked above.
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