Who doesn’t adore penguins? The African penguin is a wonder to behold—charismatic, iconic, and perfectly sleek in the water, yet delightfully clumsy on land. Once known as the “Jackass penguin” for its donkey-like bray, this incredible bird has been a cherished part of culture and history. But now, it stands on the brink. Critically endangered, the African penguin is just one step away from vanishing from the wild by 2035. That’s why we say #NotBy2035. Together, we can change the future.
What happened?
It started in the 1800s when humans stripped the African penguin’s nesting grounds of guano, the so-called “white gold” used as fertilizer, leaving these birds exposed to predators. Their eggs became a sought-after delicacy, rumored to have even been served on the Titanic and we know what happened there.
Then came climate change, commercial fishing, plastic pollution, habitat destruction, and oil spills—each wave of human impact driving a staggering 97% decline in the African penguin population.
But beyond their undeniable charm, African penguins play a vital role in South Africa’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and contributing R613 million to R4.5 billion ($35 million to $259 million) through tourism.
African penguins are an important indicator of marine ecosystem health. Protecting them isn’t just about saving a species. It’s about preserving a legacy and is a driving force behind marine conservation, ecosystem sustainability, and global biodiversity preservation. That’s conservation with lasting impact!
How we protect critically endangered African penguins from extinction
Since co-founder Kruger du Plessis was raised in South Africa, we have a strong tie to the country. We work with our partners in South Africa to bolster critically endangered African penguin populations in the wild. Our partners’ generous spirits touch us, and we share their excitement about working with the critically endangered (and adorable) African penguins. There’s something magical about working together to save a species from extinction. If we can protect this iconic species, we will leave the ocean ecosystems healthier and the world brighter for future generations.
“KruShan Foundation is assisting us to act now, and actively making every cent donated count, benefiting the penguins—not the people who are using the critically endangered status of the African Penguin to earn bigger salaries by pledging for more money to research penguins to extinction!”
Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust/African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary
Programs
African Penguin Protection
We directly protect critically endangered African penguins by funding our partners’ needs, including the following:
- bolstering the chick population by rearing abandoned or lost chicks—a vital part of the African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan;
- paying the salary of the Dyer Island African penguin colony seabird ranger;
- rehabilitating injured, ill, or oiled birds;
- funding needed equipment purchases;
- responding to emergencies or time-sensitive needs, and
- equipping African penguin populations with artificial nests.
Outreach
We raise awareness in the Global North for our partners and feathered friends in the Global South through outreach efforts via:
- delivering fun and engaging presentations and interviews, both in-person and online;
- engaging online via social media, our newsletter, and blog;
- appearing on podcasts and granting interviews, and
- advocating for biologically meaningful Marine Protection Areas around African penguin colonies and an end to offshore bunkering in South Africa’s Algoa Bay to give the critically endangered African penguins a fighting chance to survive.
Education
Our educational efforts include the following:
- providing underprivileged students with STEM skills by supporting the three-year DEEP Blue Ambassador training program;
- collaborating with partners to create educational materials for children, adolescents, and adults, and
- working toward establishing a marine and seabird education center in Gansbaai, South Africa.
“KruShan Foundation is doing vital work to address detrimental environmental changes, specifically as affecting African penguins. I cannot do that work myself; however, I can donate funds to do so. In addition, the Foundation is working in a transparent manner (Guidestar-Candid), along with using a high percentage of donations for programs. Its goals align well with my desire to do something to help those in the world now and for generations to come.”
Sherry Moore, Austin, Texas, recurring donor
Impact
When does 1 equal 45? When we help rear an African penguin chick or rehabilitate an injured African penguin, that act has a long-term ripple effect that increases the population of African penguin colonies. Every African penguin counts.
560
+
African penguin chicks and adults fed during rescue and rehabilitation.
20
+
African penguin families protected with artificial nests.
67
Injured African penguins saved after medical intervention and critical care.
2,800
African penguins protected by the Seabird Ranger whose salary/expenses we fund.
1
Underprivileged student(s) sponsored to learn STEM skills via the three-year DEEP Blue Ambassador training program. More planned for 2025.
Life-saving equipment—KruShan Foundation X-Ray Room for critical on-site diagnostics and reliable freezers to store fish to ensure rescued penguins stay fed.
African penguins need your voice, and we’d love to share their story with you. Whether you have questions or want us to speak to your group or organization, let’s connect! Together, we can raise awareness and drive action to protect these incredible birds. Reach out today. Every conversation makes a difference.
Partners
