The Western Cape experienced severe storms in June and July 2024, with disaster areas declared. The African penguin colonies were hit hard, with African penguin chicks drowning or parents abandoning their offspring. In mid-July, our partner, SANCCOB, rescued over 30 chicks and 25 eggs (a total of 55), with more rescues expected. SANCCOB was fortunate to have its Rangers out in the field, doing everything in their power, even during the storms, to try and mitigate the loss of life in the endangered seabird colonies. Together with managing authorities, these devoted Rangers dug trenches and constructed diversion pathways to encourage water flow away from nesting sites.
The chicks will be hand-reared for three to four months before being released back into the wild. The cost is approximately USD $600 per chick, including fish, supplements, water, electricity, veterinary and rehabilitative care, and disinfectants.
African penguin chick rehabilitation is one of the most expensive costs we incur. Thanks to the generosity of donors, our emergency funding account allowed us to pay for the care of 15 African penguin chicks rescued from the Stony Point and Boulders Beach colonies.
All 15 rescued African penguin chicks
Update (Nov. 2024): We are pleased to report that all 15 rescued chicks were treated and are back in the wild.