Reducing the dramatic decline of African penguin populations

Together, We Save the African Penguin

The Pairi Daiza Foundation is proud to support SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) in its crucial mission to protect the African penguin and other endangered seabirds. SANCCOB, based in South Africa, is dedicated to preserving these coastal birds by providing them with essential care and support.

Each year, approximately 2,000 injured, sick, or oil-affected birds are taken in by SANCCOB’s specialised bird hospitals in Cape Town and Gqeberha. The rescue process begins with rangers monitoring key penguin colonies and identifying birds in distress. These birds are then transported to rehabilitation centres, where they receive personalised care and are prepared for their return to the wild. Before their release, the penguins are fitted with a passive transponder to track their movements in nature.

Project Objectives

The primary goal of this project is to reduce the dramatic decline of the African penguin population through several key actions:

• Rehabilitation of birds in need – Injured or weakened penguins receive the necessary care to maximise their chances of survival and safe reintegration into their natural habitat.
• Monitoring and protection of colonies – Rangers are deployed in major colonies to identify threats, report birds in danger, and raise awareness among local communities.
• Scientific tracking – Released penguins are fitted with transponders to collect valuable data on their behaviour and migration patterns.
• Rescue of orphaned chicks – Abandoned chicks are hand-raised and fed to give them a second chance in the wild.
• Education and community engagement – Volunteers, trainees, and experts receive training and support to actively participate in the conservation of this species.

Together, we can give the African penguin a future!