A quick origin story:
The story of KruShan Foundation began in 2010, on the shores of South Africa. Kruger, who grew up there, introduced Shannon to the African penguins. She was instantly captivated; it was love at first waddle. But while Shannon admired their charm, Kruger saw something troubling—their numbers were dwindling. That same year, African penguins were officially declared an endangered species.
Having visited the African penguins many times since that trip, our hearts compelled us to act to protect them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, or as we call it, the Great Toilet Paper Crisis, we planned and established connections with the first few of a growing list of partners. With hope, we proudly launched KruShan Foundation in January 2022.
Our mission is to protect African penguins from extinction and restore their marine ecosystem, ensuring their survival beyond 2035 through rehabilitation, resource provision, advocacy, and education, by collaborating with partners in South Africa. #NotBy2035 🐧💙
Meet our passionate African penguin lover volunteer board members and advisors.
Board and Advisors
President
Xolani is known as South Africa’s Penguin Whisperer. He has worked with African penguins in South Africa since 2006, first in the Eastern Cape and currently in the Western Cape at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai, South Africa.
Several years ago, we saw Waddlesworth, or Wads as we call him, at Stoney Point African penguin colony in Betty’s Bay, South Africa. He is why we do what we do. He doesn’t let that go to his head, but he can be snarky, which we like. He opines on our social media channels from time to time.