In a week of sad penguin news, learning that 38 penguins have been released back into the wild is a very heartwarming update, indeed!
Gqeberha, South Africa (20 September 2021) – The Gqeberha branch of SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) took in 94 African Penguin chicks on the 20th of August. Thirty-eight of the penguins have since regained enough strength and were released back onto Bird Island last weekend, the 11th of September 2021.
The good news comes after a tough weekend for the African penguin species in South Africa. Sadly, a colony of penguins at Boulders was swarmed by bees, and over 60 adult penguins died in the swarming. This is a massive knock for the already struggling species. There is no telling yet what this will mean for future rescue efforts, but the Table View Centre is working to prepare for anything.
Back to the Gqeberha Centre, they confirmed that while some of the 94 rescues didn’t survive, most of the birds are generally progressing well.
“As with such rescue operations, we are always prepared and immediately move into response mode but there are unplanned costs that are incurred. The support from donors and volunteers have been heart-warming and we are grateful to all who have come forward to assist us. We are still in need of financial support to cover the tons of fish for feeding, medication, and rehabilitation provided. Special thanks to Raggy Charters for assisting with our transport needs to and from the Island.”
Donations can be made here or by EFT directly to SANCCOB’s bank account. Please select SANCCOB Gqeberha Chick Rescue from the list.
African Penguin Awareness Day is on 9 October. In celebration of African Penguin Awareness Day, both centres will host a variety of activities in October. Take a look at how you can get involved below. The funds raised will be used to continue the fight to save the species.
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Sunrise Walk at SANCCOB Gqeberha on Saturday, 9 October at 06h00, from the centre to the Cape Recife Lighthouse and back. The participation fee is R50 and includes an opportunity to tour the Centre and view the seabirds undergoing rehabilitation, buy festive gifts from the SANCCOB shop or have a warm cup of coffee and treat at the Flying Penguin Café.
Marine Week activities in October will include visits to schools and an educational webinar in collaboration with the Sustainable Seas Trust. Contact xola.tsewu@sanccob.co.za for more information.
Cape Town, Western Cape
Based in Table View, the Cape Town Centre will offer half-price tours on 8 and 9 October, and exhibit various information tables and family-friendly activities.
Tours are on the hour every hour and start at 9 am, with the last tour from 3 pm to 4 pm. Come and meet the teams behind the scenes. Booking is essential for social distance practices, so please contact Alex at Alex@sanccob.co.za to choose your preferred time and follow the social media platforms for updates.
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