Two centres connected to the coast
SANCCOB receives sick, injured, abandoned and oil-affected seabirds at its centres in Cape Town and Gqeberha. Rehabilitation aims to return birds to the wild. African penguins are a central part of this work, alongside other seabird species. The organisation publishes separate rescue contacts for the two centres, helping callers reach the relevant team when they find a bird in difficulty.
Care can begin before hatching
The chick-rearing unit incubates abandoned African penguin eggs and cares for young birds with the aim of releasing them. SANCCOB’s egg and penguin adoption schemes support this work financially. Here, adoption means contributing to the birds’ care, feeding and rehabilitation. It is a way to support wildlife recovery, rather than an arrangement to take a penguin home.
Watching birds where they breed
Seabird rangers work with conservation authorities in wild colonies, monitoring birds and identifying those needing rescue. In 2021, a response on Robben Island and Jutten Island brought 2,038 abandoned Cape cormorant chicks into care. That documented event shows how observations at breeding sites can lead to a large rehabilitation effort involving several organisations.
Planning before a spill happens
SANCCOB’s emergency work also includes preparation for oil pollution, disease outbreaks and mass chick abandonment. The team develops contingency plans and provides training with public authorities, conservation organisations and industry. Membership of the Global Oiled Wildlife Response System connects this experience to international response work. Its preparedness programme explains these responsibilities in more detail.
Learn about the work or contribute
Booked hospital tours introduce visitors to seabird rehabilitation, while volunteer and internship programmes offer other ways to participate. Consult SANCCOB’s official website for the appropriate centre, rescue contact and current participation arrangements. The AnimalProtech map helps place these South African activities in the wider network of animal protection organisations.
Frequently asked questions
- Does AnimalProtech verify SANCCOB?
- AnimalProtech organizes public information and helps review community corrections, but each donation, adoption, or contact should be verified directly through the animal rescuer's or organization's official channels.
- How can I contact SANCCOB?
- Use the public channels saved on this page and confirm that the opened profile matches SANCCOB, the location Cape Town - Western Cape - South Africa, and the displayed identifiers.
- Is it safe to donate or adopt using only this page?
- No. Use this page as a starting point, then confirm identity, need, accountability, and public history before donating, sending documents, or adopting.
- How can I correct incomplete or outdated information?
- Use the contribution form at the end of the page and send verifiable public links. Do not send personal documents, private addresses, or sensitive third-party data.