The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) started 20
25 with a bang – and a renewed sense of urgency. Over the past month, Sanccob admitted 78 abandoned African Penguin eggs and 25 vulnerable chicks, with more likely on the way.
“These precious lives were left exposed to extreme heat, but thanks to our dedicated seabird rangers, who acted swiftly at the colonies, they were brought to safety,” says Romandi de Jongh, resource developer at Sanccob.
“At SU, we are proud to be pioneers in seabird conservation. We are the first organisation in the world to artificially incubate wild-origin African Penguin eggs and hand-rear chicks for release back into the wild. This groundbreaking initiative, known as the Chick Bolstering Programme, is officially recognised under the African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan as a critical step toward halting the species’ decline,” she adds.
Extinction
African Penguins are on the brink of extinction, but Sanccob is reaching out to the public to help change that.
“With your help, we can give these tiny penguins the second chance they deserve. Your donation will help us cover the costs of life-saving care, from feeding formulas to veterinary expertise,” De Jongh says.
Adding to the challenges, Sanccob Table View was alerted to an oil spill affecting African Penguins along the coastline between Hout Bay and Kommetjie on 22 January. So far, 18 oiled African Penguins have been brought into their care, with conservation authorities actively surveying for more.
The type and source of the oil remain unknown, but this incident is a stark reminder that oil pollution continues to threaten the survival of marine species, including the critically endangered African Penguin. The oil, light in colour and difficult to spot on feathers, has a distinct odour and poses a serious risk to these already vulnerable birds.
“We urge the public to avoid capturing any oil-affected birds for their own safety and to report sightings to Sanccob directly,” De Jongh says.
Study launched
The African Penguin population has plummeted by 97%, with fewer than 10 000 breeding pairs remaining. A primary cause of this decline is the lack of food due to competition with commercial fishing near key breeding colonies. Despite existing no-take zones, seabird scientists have proven they are insufficient to safeguard the penguins’ survival.
A recent study launched by Blue Marine Foundation on Penguin Awareness Day, 20 January, reveals strong public backing for government-led intervention to save this species.
The study also highlights a strong belief in human responsibility for the crisis: 53% of those polled attribute the African Penguin’s decline to human activities, such as overfishing and pollution.
Public sentiment around the emotional and economic impact of losing the species is also clear. Over 60% said they would feel devastated by the extinction of the flightless bird, and an almost equal number [59%] stated it would harm tourism.
“These findings are echoed in a recent socio-economic report that determined the total tourism value of all penguin colonies is estimated to be in the considerable range of R613 – R2 702 million per year.
“Further, more than half of respondents [54%] claim the extinction of the species would damage the country’s international reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation,” De Jongh says.
These findings affirm that South Africans want stronger conservation leadership. Together with BirdLife South Africa, Sanccob is taking legal action to challenge ineffective fishing policies and demand biologically meaningful no-take zones.
“As global citizens, you can help us amplify this cause. Sign the OnlyOne petition urging the South African government to enact vital protections for the African Penguin. Your support also makes an immediate impact. Donations fund rescue efforts, chick-rearing programmes, and advocacy for stronger protections,” De Jongh says.
