South Africa’s beloved African penguins, teetering on the brink of extinction, are finding hope and healing in the expert hands of SANCCOB, where every life saved is a step toward preserving an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage.
South Africa (16 November 2024) – South Africa’s critically endangered African penguins are in excellent hands, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
Every year, SANCCOB steps in to save thousands of seabirds, including these iconic penguins, providing them with world-class care and a second chance at life.
SANCCOB’s work is nothing short of life-changing for the seabirds that come into their care. At their seabird hospitals in the Western and Eastern Cape, dedicated professionals treat approximately 2,000 African penguins and other seabirds annually. From oil spills and starvation to injuries and disease, these birds face countless challenges in the wild, but SANCCOB’s intervention gives them hope.
Seabird veterinarian Dr David Roberts, based at SANCCOB’s Table View facility in Cape Town, has been treating seabirds since 2017. For him, this work is more than a job – it’s a passion.
“SANCCOB offers an excellent opportunity for me to contribute to conserving endangered species,” says Dr Roberts.
“Working alongside experts like ecologists and conservationists, we can make a difference. Every treatment or surgery we perform gives a bird a second chance at life in the wild.”
The care provided is comprehensive, from administering drips and blood transfusions to performing multiple surgeries for some birds. One African penguin even required 13 surgeries before being deemed fit for release. The dedication of SANCCOB’s team extends beyond veterinary care – they rescue birds in the wild, raise chicks, educate the public, and engage in vital conservation efforts.
What makes SANCCOB’s work so impactful is the sheer number of lives they save and the opportunities they create for seabirds to thrive. Without their intervention, many of these animals would not survive. Nearly every bird that arrives at SANCCOB was on the brink of death due to abandonment, starvation, or injuries.
Yet the story doesn’t end there. After weeks or months of rehabilitation, these birds are released back into their natural habitats. It’s a moment filled with hope – and a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.
But challenges remain. The African penguin population is declining at an alarming rate, with only 8,300 breeding pairs left in South Africa. The primary cause? A lack of food due to competition with commercial fisheries. Dr Roberts emphasises the urgency of the situation:
“No matter how much we do, if there isn’t a healthy environment for them, our work is in vain. The rapid decline in seabird numbers is devastating.”
A Call to Action
Despite the uphill battle, SANCCOB’s work inspires optimism. With passionate individuals like Dr Roberts leading the charge, these seabirds have a fighting chance. His journey, from growing up in Namibia with ecologist parents to becoming a wildlife veterinarian, has been driven by a deep love for nature. His recent nomination for a Golden Star Award by Worldwide Vets highlights the incredible impact of his efforts.
African penguins are a reflection of the health of their ecosystem. By supporting organisations like SANCCOB, we not only help these birds but also take steps toward preserving the delicate balance of our oceans.
Want to make a difference? Visit SANCCOB’s website at www.sanccob.co.za to learn more, book a tour, or get involved. Together, we can help secure a brighter future for these remarkable seabirds.
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