Preserving Precious Lives: The African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary

In the picturesque coastal town of Gansbaai, a non-profit organisation known as the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary is making waves in the realm of wildlife conservation. This non-profit organisation has taken up the challenging task of rehabilitating injured and sick birds, with a focus on African penguins, to reverse the distressing decline in their populations. The remarkable efforts of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) rely on the community's support. Seeff Hermanus is rallying to support their cause by collecting old towels which the facility uses to create cosy spaces for these wonderful creatures.

One passionate advocate for the sanctuary is Senior Bird Rehabilitator Xolani, who led our recent tour and explained the feeding time procedures. His enthusiasm is contagious when he speaks about the vital work being done there. A significant focus of the sanctuary's efforts lies in the rehabilitation of African penguins, a species that is sadly on the brink of extinction. 

Did you know that African penguins form long-term monogamous relationships? This unique trait has a significant impact on their conservation. The breakup of these pairs due to divorce or widowhood can have significant repercussions on survival, breeding success, and life-history outcomes. Such disruptions often lead to skipped breeding seasons, causing lowered lifetime reproductive success and delayed breeding for newly formed pairs, resulting in decreased reproductive achievements and fewer eggs in initial breeding attempts. 

Beyond reproductive consequences, seeking new partners expends time and energy, increasing mortality risk, and further shortening individual lifespans. Penguins may have only two breeding seasons a year and the maximum amount of eggs a penguin pair can have each year is only four - in a perfect world.

This dire situation is underscored by the fact that there are only around 10,400 breeding pairs of African penguins remaining in South Africa as of 2021. Dyer Island, a historically significant breeding ground, now hosts a mere 1000 breeding pairs.

The factors contributing to their decline are manifold. Historically, the plundering of their eggs, fishing line entanglements, seal predation, and guano removal have all played a role. Guano, seabird excrement, forms the basis of their nest-building material. These nests, dug within the guano, offer protection against predators and create the ideal temperatures for breeding, incubating eggs, and nurturing chicks.

The sanctuary constructs artificial nests that emulate the protective haven once provided by the guano-filled environments of the past. These nests are available for purchase at R500 per nest, and can potentially, contribute to the hatching of up to 4 chicks per year - idealistically.

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, established in 2015, relies heavily on sponsors and fundraisers to sustain its operations. The rehabilitation process for rescued birds involves thorough assessments, including weight and hydration checks, followed by appropriate medical care. November ushers in a frenzy of activity at the sanctuary, as around 150-350 abandoned chicks are cared for yearly until they gain the strength to survive in the wild. These fledglings undergo meticulous feeding and daily weigh-ins until they reach an appropriate release weight of about 2.5 kg.

During this busy time, the conservation team at the sanctuary works tirelessly to provide care for each individual penguin. They are supported by a few local and international volunteers, some of whom return to work officially at the sanctuary. For those keen on lending a hand, volunteering opportunities are available, with local youth encouraged to participate during their school holidays in December. Alternatively, pop in, hear more about what these amazing folks do, indulge in a coffee and cake, and browse their adorable collection of souvenirs. 

In a world where countless species teeter on the edge of extinction, initiatives like the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary stand as beacons of hope. Their relentless dedication to rehabilitating and protecting African penguins and seabirds not only safeguards these creatures but also highlights the vital role each individual can play in nurturing and preserving our natural world.

Big thanks to Ivanjè van Wyk for leading the Seeff Hermanus towel collection drive. Join us in backing the rehabilitation of African Penguins and raising awareness about conserving these precious species! You can drop off any old towels at the Seeff office in Onrus. Additionally, consider contributing to the construction of nests, which play a vital role in boosting the penguin population.