Environmental, Dec. 15, 2020, 8:02 p.m.

You can save the African penguin

With populations plummeting, we believe everything possible needs to be done to prevent the species from going functionally extinct on the West Coast of South Africa in 10 to 15 years, as indicated by scientists.

The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries have met today, 11 December 2020, to determine which (if any) islands should be closed to purse-seine fishing within a 20km radius in 2021. Seabird scientists believe there is strong evidence to suggest these fishing closures are beneficial to African penguins. We have been promoting information on our social media platforms, amplified by United Nations Patron of the Oceans, Lewis Pugh, to create awareness of the dire fate of the African penguin species, and create an opportunity for public conversation and engagement on the topic.

Read an opinion piece here as featured in the Daily Maverick on 1 December 2020.
You can also watch a special insert on SABC 3's Expresso Show here.

Implementing no-take fishing zones can positively contribute to the African Penguins' survival as sardine and anchovy are their primary prey but the state of current sardine stocks is concerning. With an estimated 17,700 breeding pairs of African penguins left in the wild, every bird matters.

With populations plummeting, we believe everything possible needs to be done to prevent the species from going functionally extinct on the West Coast of South Africa in 10 to 15 years, as indicated by scientists. Lend your voice and online presence to our cause and to the plight of the African penguin. We are awaiting the decisions made today and while we are hopeful for a favourable outcome, we will persevere in our endeavours to save the endangered African penguin from extinction.
Follow the hashtag #SaveTheAfricanPenguin to see past and upcoming posts on social media.

Moulting African penguins' chicks are hand-reared at SANCCOB

We have admitted over 60 African penguin chicks since the first week of November, all abandoned due to moulting parents. The chicks were rescued from Simon's Town, Stony Point and Robben Island with the support of the managing authorities and our stellar Penguin and Seabird Rangers. The young chicks rely on us to care for them but the truth is that we can't do it without you. If you adopt a penguin, your donation goes towards the cost of fish, medication and veterinary care.
You can adopt and name a chick as a special festive gift! At R600 each (only $39 and £29) the satisfaction of partnering with us to help save a species is surely worth it! You'll get a certificate of adoption with a photo of 'your' chick and a special thank you letter from 'your' penguin too. Every bird counts and they're once again counting on you.

CAF America listing

We wish to remind you that SANCCOB is listed on Charities Aid Foundation of America's Charity Database. US donors are able to make tax-effective gifts to CAF America with SANCCOB as the grant recipient. Connect with us to acquire the gift form or download it here.

Get Festive and Get Involved

Please consider a meaningful gift this festive season by supporting our organisation in the following ways:

Adopt and name an African penguin chick for your loved one.
Make a donation in lieu of a gift or ask your friends and family to gift SANCCOB in lieu of gifts. You can also start your own fundraising campaign on Backabuddy!
Before you visit the shops, have a look at our online shop here. You might find the perfect item like one of these silver pendant and chain sets.

Join SANCCOB's Membership Programme at R300 per annum and be part of a supporter group with voting rights at our Annual General Meetings. You will receive a membership certificate and a tour for two at either of our centres.A special rate is offered to senior citizens and international memberships for individuals are at R1,500.00.
Visit our centres in Table View and Port Elizabeth and bring your family for a tour experience. Make your booking via email with alex@sanccob.co.za for Table View and michelle@sanccob.co.za for Port Elizabeth.
Check out our wish list items and think about gifting SANCCOB. We have little and big wishes.
Add SANCCOB as one of your three beneficiaries on your MySchool card and make every swipe count.
Commit to an internship at SANCCOB. Connect with Angela at volunteers@sanccob.co.za for internship enquiries. We are in need of three and six month interns to work alongside our team. Our internships offer structured and mentored training programmes with a strong focus on skills development in the fields of animal science, husbandry and care, as well as welfare related fields. Downloadable the application form here.

Tax Relief for Donations

As a registered Public Benefit Organisation, SANCCOB is able to issue a Section 18A tax certificates to donors who are eligible for tax in South Africa. There is still time to donate within the current fiscal year before 28 February 2021 so please consider SANCCOB as your chosen charity to support.

Integrated Report
Our latest integrated report of 2019-2020 can be viewed online here.

You can Donate Online or directly to SANCCOB's bank account.
First National Bank | Table View Branch | Account number 5923 713 5859 | Swift Code FIRNZAJJ
Reference your name and contact number.
Please forward your bank slip to stephanie@sanccob.co.za so that we may formally thank you and assist with a Section 18A tax certificate for donations of R100 from supporters eligible for tax in South Africa.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and happy new year.

Stay safe, everyone!

From the SANCCOB Team

You can save the African penguin

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