There were about 1.5 million adult African Penguins along the southern African coast in the 1930’s. Human activities reduced this number by a staggering 90% in less than a century. The African Penguin, together with over a dozen other sea bird species found in South Africa, is considered to be threatened and vulnerable to extinction.

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) was established in 1968 in response to the increased numbers of oiled sea birds along the South African coast. Throughout the last 35 years, SANCCOB has responded to every oil spill in South Africa and has helped to treat more than 82 000 ill, injured, orphaned and oiled sea birds. Our centre treated 817 African penguins in 2001, 974 penguins in 2002, 1 050 penguins in 2003 and 655 penguins in 2004 - despite the fact that there were no major oil spills in those years. Our efforts in conservation continue 365 days each year due to the fact that increasing numbers of our vulnerable sea bird species require rehabilitation year round.

SANCCOB aims to protect and conserve southern Africa’s coastal birds, especially threatened species, for the benefit of present and future generations. Recent research by the Avian Demography Unit at t he University of Cape Town has shown that the African Penguin population is 19% higher today than it would have been in the absence of SANCCOB’s efforts in rehabilitation.

SANCCOB is a non-profit organisation (Section 21 Registration Number: 2001/026273/08, Non profit Number: 003-134 NPO).

If you feel moved to support SANCCOB’s efforts to save the African Penguin, please visit our website at www.sanccob.co.za
to adopt a penguin, make a donation or become a volunteer.