With so much disheartening news related to the African Penguin, it’s easy to forget that there are people working tirelessly to give this seabird its best shot at survival. Cue SANCCOB, who have taken in over 100,000 seabirds to date, rescuing and releasing hundreds of African Penguins and chicks last year alone.
South Africa (27 February 2025) — In 2024, hundreds of African Penguins and chicks were released by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). In the bigger picture that is this species’ fight for survival, these numbers aren’t just good—they’re essential for the Critically Endangered seabird.
This seabird-saving organisation will be the first to tell you that the African Penguin is in trouble. But, they’d also tell you that there is still time to change the penguin’s fate.
Efforts like the ones that saw the SANCCOB team admit 813 African Penguins last year with an average of 80% released, as well as an 84% release rate of the 496 chicks taken in, are a testament to what the fight against the odds looks like.
It’s a fight made possible not only by their boots on the ground but by everyone who made a donation, signed up to become a penguin’s uber, undertook a virtual adoption, attended a penguin waddle or simply raised awareness in their own way.
In more good tidings, SANCCOB’s Impact Report for 2024 further reveals that 108,715 seabirds have been admitted to date.
As for the people aspect of it all, 22,802 humans engaged with the organisation last year with many volunteers coming to the party; a total of 265 locals and 67 internationals.
“Every number tells a story of hope, dedication, and transformation – each milestone achieved only with the generous contributions of our partners and supporters,” concludes SANCCOB.
Whether you’d like to volunteer, donate to SANCCOB’s wishlist or simply find out more, you’ll find all you need to know about supporting the team in 2025, here.
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